Determination of the swelling velocity of different wood species and tissues depending on the cutting direction on microtome section level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuckenberg, Peter; Wenderdel, Christoph; Zauer, Mario

2018-06-01

Swelling velocity in dependence on the anatomical cutting direction of yew [Taxus baccata L.] and boxwood [Buxus sempervirens L.] was determined at temperature of 20 °C and at relative humidity of 10% and 100%. The investigations, conducted on a microtome section level, showed a similar behaviour for specimens of both wood species. It was possible to determine that the swelling velocity for yew and boxwood increases in its anatomical cutting directions. The longitudinal direction showed the lowest value, the tangential direction, by distinction, the highest value. Furthermore, a significant influence of early wood and late wood content on the swelling velocity for yew was detected.

The anatomical (angiosome) and clinical territories of cutaneous perforating arteries: development of the concept and designing safe flaps.

PubMed

Taylor, G Ian; Corlett, Russell J; Dhar, Shymal C; Ashton, Mark W

2011-04-01

Island "perforator flaps" have become state of the art for free-skin flap transfer. Recent articles by Saint-Cyr et al. and Rozen et al. have focused on the anatomical and the clinical territories of individual cutaneous perforating arteries in flap planning, and it is timely to compare this work with our angiosome concept. The angiosome concept, published in 1987, was reviewed and correlated with key experimental and clinical work by the authors, published subsequently at different times in different journals. In addition, new data are introduced to define these anatomical and clinical territories of the cutaneous perforators and to aid in the planning of safe skin flaps for local and free-flap transfer. The anatomical territory of a cutaneous perforator was defined in the pig, dog, guinea pig, and rabbit by a line drawn through its perimeter of anastomotic vessels that link it with adjacent perforators in all directions. The safe clinical territory of that perforator, seen not only in the same range of animals but also in the human using either the Doppler probe or computed tomography angiography to locate the vessels, was found reliably to extend to include the anatomical territory of the next adjacent cutaneous perforator, situated radially in any direction. The data provided by Saint-Cyr et al. and Rozen et al., coupled with the authors' own original work on the vascular territories of the body and their subsequent studies, reinforce the angiosome concept and provide the basis for the design of safe flaps for patient benefit.

Presentation of Anatomical Variations Using the Aurasma Mobile App

PubMed Central

Bézard, Georg; Lozanoff, Beth K; Labrash, Steven; Lozanoff, Scott

2015-01-01

Knowledge of anatomical variations is critical to avoid clinical complications and it enables an understanding of morphogenetic mechanisms. Depictions are comprised of photographs or illustrations often limiting appreciation of three-dimensional (3D) spatial relationships. The purpose of this study is to describe an approach for presenting anatomical variations utilizing video clips emphasizing 3D anatomical relationships delivered on personal electronic devices. An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) was an incidental finding in a routine dissection of an 89-year-old man cadaver during a medical student instructional laboratory. The specimen was photographed and physical measurements were recorded. Three-dimensional models were lofted and rendered with Maya software and converted as Quicktime animations. Photographs of the first frame of the animations were recorded and registered with Aurasma Mobile App software (www.aurasma.com). Resulting animations were viewed on mobile devices. The ARSA model can be manipulated on the mobile device enabling the student to view and appreciate spatial relationships. Model elements can be de-constructed to provide even greater spatial resolution of anatomical relationships. Animations provide a useful approach for visualizing anatomical variations. Future work will be directed at creating a library of variants and underlying mechanism of formation for presentation through the Aurasma application. PMID:26793410

The effects of the court-type Thai traditional massage on anatomical relations, blood flow, and skin temperature of the neck, shoulder, and arm.

PubMed

Plakornkul, Vasana; Vannabhum, Manmas; Viravud, Yadaridee; Roongruangchai, Jantima; Mutirangura, Pramook; Akarasereenont, Pravit; Laohapand, Tawee

2016-09-15

Court-type Thai traditional massage (CTTM) has specific major signal points (MaSP) for treating musculoskeletal conditions. The objectives of this study are to investigate the anatomical surfaces and structures of MaSPs, and to examine blood flow (BF) and skin temperature (ST) changes after applying pressure on the MaSPs on neck, shoulder, and arm areas. In the anatomical study, 83 cadavers were dissected and the anatomical surfaces and structures of the 15 MaSPs recorded. In human volunteers, BF, peak systolic velocity (PS), diameter of artery (DA), and ST changes were measured at baseline and after pressure application at 0, 30, 60, 180, and 300 s. There was no statistical difference in anatomical surfaces and structures of MaSP between the left and right side of the body. The 3 MaSPs on the neck were shown to be anatomically separated from the location of the common carotid arteries. The BF of MaSPs of the neck significantly and immediately increased after pressure application for 30 s and for 60 s in the arm (p < 0.001). ST increased significantly and immediately after pressure application for 300 s (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between BF and ST at any of the MaSPs. This study showed that MaSP massages were mainly directed towards muscles. MaSPs can cause significant, but brief, increases in BF and ST. Further studies are suggested to identify changes in BF and ST for all of the MaSPs after actual massage treatment sessions as well as other physiological effects of massage.

Automated anatomical labeling of bronchial branches using multiple classifiers and its application to bronchoscopy guidance based on fusion of virtual and real bronchoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ota, Shunsuke; Deguchi, Daisuke; Kitasaka, Takayuki; Mori, Kensaku; Suenaga, Yasuhito; Hasegawa, Yoshinori; Imaizumi, Kazuyoshi; Takabatake, Hirotsugu; Mori, Masaki; Natori, Hiroshi

2008-03-01

This paper presents a method for automated anatomical labeling of bronchial branches (ALBB) extracted from 3D CT datasets. The proposed method constructs classifiers that output anatomical names of bronchial branches by employing the machine-learning approach. We also present its application to a bronchoscopy guidance system. Since the bronchus has a complex tree structure, bronchoscopists easily tend to get disoriented and lose the way to a target location. A bronchoscopy guidance system is strongly expected to be developed to assist bronchoscopists. In such guidance system, automated presentation of anatomical names is quite useful information for bronchoscopy. Although several methods for automated ALBB were reported, most of them constructed models taking only variations of branching patterns into account and did not consider those of running directions. Since the running directions of bronchial branches differ greatly in individuals, they could not perform ALBB accurately when running directions of bronchial branches were different from those of models. Our method tries to solve such problems by utilizing the machine-learning approach. Actual procedure consists of three steps: (a) extraction of bronchial tree structures from 3D CT datasets, (b) construction of classifiers using the multi-class AdaBoost technique, and (c) automated classification of bronchial branches by using the constructed classifiers. We applied the proposed method to 51 cases of 3D CT datasets. The constructed classifiers were evaluated by leave-one-out scheme. The experimental results showed that the proposed method could assign correct anatomical names to bronchial branches of 89.1% up to segmental lobe branches. Also, we confirmed that it was quite useful to assist the bronchoscopy by presenting anatomical names of bronchial branches on real bronchoscopic views.

A theoretical analysis of anatomical and functional intestinal slow wave re-entry.

PubMed

Du, Peng; O'Grady, Gregory; Cheng, Leo K

2017-07-21

Intestinal bioelectrical slow waves are a key regulator of intestinal motility. Peripheral pacemakers, ectopic initiations and sustained periods of re-entrant activities have all been experimentally observed to be important factors in setting the frequency of intestinal slow waves, but the tissue-level mechanisms underpinning these activities are unclear. This theoretical analysis aimed to define the initiation, maintenance, and termination criteria of two classes of intestinal re-entrant activities: anatomical re-entry and functional re-entry. Anatomical re-entry was modeled in a three-dimensional (3D) cylindrical model, and functional rotor was modeled in a 2D rectangle model. A single-pulse stimulus was used to invoke an anatomical re-entry and a prolonged refractory block was used to invoke the rotor. In both cases, the simulated re-entrant activities operated at frequencies above the baseline entrainment frequency. The anatomical re-entry simulation results demonstrated that a temporary functional refractory block would be required to initiate the re-entrant activity in a single direction around the cylindrical model. The rotor could be terminated by a single-pulse stimulus delivered around the core of the rotor. In conclusion, the simulation results provide the following new insights into the mechanisms of intestinal re-entry: (i) anatomical re-entry is only maintained within a specific range of velocities, outside of which the re-entrant activities become either an ectopic activity or simultaneous activations of the intestinal wall; (ii) a maintained rotor entrained slow waves faster in the antegrade direction than in the retrograde direction. Simulations are shown to be a valuable tool for achieving novel insights into the mechanisms of intestinal slow wave dysrhythmia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using "Functional" Target Coordinates of the Subthalamic Nucleus to Assess the Indirect and Direct Methods of the Preoperative Planning: Do the Anatomical and Functional Targets Coincide?

PubMed

Rabie, Ahmed; Verhagen Metman, Leo; Slavin, Konstantin V

2016-12-21

To answer the question of whether the anatomical center of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), as calculated indirectly from stereotactic atlases or by direct visualization on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), corresponds to the best functional target. Since the neighboring red nucleus (RN) is well visualized on MRI, we studied the relationships of the final target to its different borders. We analyzed the data of 23 PD patients (46 targets) who underwent bilateral frame-based STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure with microelectrode recording guidance. We calculated coordinates of the active contact on DBS electrode on postoperative MRI, which we referred to as the final "functional/optimal" target. The coordinates calculated by the atlas-based "indirect" and "direct" methods, as well as the coordinates of the different RN borders were compared to these final coordinates. The mean ± SD of the final target coordinates was 11.7 ± 1.5 mm lateral (X), 2.4 ± 1.5 mm posterior (Y), and 6.1 ± 1.7 mm inferior to the mid-commissural point (Z). No significant differences were found between the "indirect" X, Z coordinates and those of the final targets. The "indirect" Y coordinate was significantly posterior to Y of the final target, with mean difference of 0.6 mm ( p = 0.014). No significant differences were found between the "direct" X, Y, and Z coordinates and those of the final targets. The functional STN target is located in direct proximity to its anatomical center. During preoperative targeting, we recommend using the "direct" method, and taking into consideration the relationships of the final target to the mid-commissural point (MCP) and the different RN borders.

Immediate breast reconstruction with anatomical implants following mastectomy: The radiation perspective

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ben-David, Merav, E-mail: Merav.ben-david@sheba.health.gov.il; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv; Granot, Hila

2016-07-01

Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction followed by postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is controversial because of the risk of compromised treatment plans and concerns regarding cosmetic outcomes. We evaluated the effects of immediate direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with anatomical implants on the quality of PMRT delivered by 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). In this retrospective, single-institution study, patients who had undergone reconstruction with direct anatomic implant, performed by a single surgeon, received 3D-CRT between 2008 and 2013. For each patient, 2 plans (including or excluding internal mammary nodes [IMN]) were created and calculated. The primary end point was the dose distribution among reconstructed breasts,more » heart, lungs, and IMNs, and between right and left breasts. Of 29 consecutive patients, 11 received right-sided and 18 received left-sided PMRT to a total dose of 50 Gy. For plans excluding IMN coverage, mean D{sub mean} for right and left reconstructed breasts was 49.09 Gy (98.2% of the prescribed dose) and 48.51 Gy (97.0%), respectively. For plans including IMNs, mean D{sub mean} was 49.15 Gy (98.3%) for right and 48.46 Gy (96.9%) for left reconstructed breasts; the mean IMN D{sub mean} was 47.27 Gy (right) and 47.89 Gy (left). Heart D{sub mean} was below 1.56 Gy for all plans. Mean total lung volume receiving a dose of ≥ 20 Gy was 13.80% to 19.47%. PMRT can be delivered effectively and safely by 3D-CRT after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with anatomical implants, even if patients require IMN treatment.« less

The Adult Mouse Anatomical Dictionary: a tool for annotating and integrating data

PubMed Central

Hayamizu, Terry F; Mangan, Mary; Corradi, John P; Kadin, James A; Ringwald, Martin

2005-01-01

We have developed an ontology to provide standardized nomenclature for anatomical terms in the postnatal mouse. The Adult Mouse Anatomical Dictionary is structured as a directed acyclic graph, and is organized hierarchically both spatially and functionally. The ontology will be used to annotate and integrate different types of data pertinent to anatomy, such as gene expression patterns and phenotype information, which will contribute to an integrated description of biological phenomena in the mouse. PMID:15774030

What the Toadfish Ear Tells the Toadfish Brain About Sound.

PubMed

Edds-Walton, Peggy L

2016-01-01

Of the three, paired otolithic endorgans in the ear of teleost fishes, the saccule is the one most often demonstrated to have a major role in encoding frequencies of biologically relevant sounds. The toadfish saccule also encodes sound level and sound source direction in the phase-locked activity conveyed via auditory afferents to nuclei of the ipsilateral octaval column in the medulla. Although paired auditory receptors are present in teleost fishes, binaural processes were believed to be unimportant due to the speed of sound in water and the acoustic transparency of the tissues in water. In contrast, there are behavioral and anatomical data that support binaural processing in fishes. Studies in the toadfish combined anatomical tract-tracing and physiological recordings from identified sites along the ascending auditory pathway to document response characteristics at each level. Binaural computations in the medulla and midbrain sharpen the directional information provided by the saccule. Furthermore, physiological studies in the central nervous system indicated that encoding frequency, sound level, temporal pattern, and sound source direction are important components of what the toadfish ear tells the toadfish brain about sound.

Origin of the direct and reflected head of the rectus femoris: an anatomic study.

PubMed

Ryan, John M; Harris, Joshua D; Graham, William C; Virk, Sohrab S; Ellis, Thomas J

2014-07-01

This study aimed to define the footprint of the direct and reflected heads of the rectus femoris and the relation of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) to adjacent neurovascular (lateral circumflex femoral artery and femoral nerve), bony (anterior superior iliac spine [ASIS]), and tendinous structures (iliopsoas). Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric hip joints from 6 cadavers, average age of 44.5 (±9.9) years, were carefully dissected of skin and fascia to expose the muscular, capsular, and bony structures of the anterior hip and pelvis. Using digital calipers, measurements were taken of the footprint of the rectus femoris on the AIIS, superior-lateral acetabulum and hip capsule, and adjacent anatomic structures. The average dimensions of the footprint of the direct head of the rectus femoris were 13.4 mm (±1.7) × 26.0 mm (±4.1), whereas the dimensions of the reflected head footprint were 47.7 mm (±4.4) × 16.8 mm (±2.2). Important anatomic structures, including the femoral nerve, psoas tendon, and lateral circumflex femoral artery, were noted in proximity to the AIIS. The neurovascular structure closest to the AIIS was the femoral nerve (20.8 ± 3.4 mm). The rectus femoris direct and reflected heads originate over a broad area of the anterolateral pelvis and are in close proximity to critical neurovascular structures, and care must be taken to avoid them during hip arthroscopy. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the proximal rectus femoris is valuable for any surgical exposure of the anterior hip joint, particularly arthroscopic subspine decompression and open femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery. Copyright © 2014 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A reusable anatomically segmented digital mannequin for public health communication.

PubMed

Fujieda, Kaori; Okubo, Kosaku

2016-01-01

The ongoing development of world wide web technologies has facilitated a change in health communication, which has now become bi-directional and encompasses people with diverse backgrounds. To enable an even greater role for medical illustrations, a data set, BodyParts3D, has been generated and its data set can be used by anyone to create and exchange customised three-dimensional (3D) anatomical images. BP3D comprises more than 3000 3D object files created by segmenting a digital mannequin in accordance with anatomical naming conventions. This paper describes the methodologies and features used to generate an anatomically correct male mannequin.

Anatomical and physical changes in leaves during the production of tamales.

PubMed

Angeles, Guillermo; Lascurain, Maite; Davalos-Sotelo, Raymundo; Zarate-Morales, Reyna Paula; Ortega-Escalona, Fernando

2013-08-01

Tamale preparation has a long tradition in Mexico. To understand which material properties have been considered important for this purpose throughout the years, a study was conducted of the anatomical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the leaves of four plant species used in tamale preparation in Veracruz, Mexico: Calathea misantlensis, Canna indica, Musa paradisiaca, and Oreopanax capitatus. Four cooking treatments were considered: fresh (F), roasted (soasado, R), steamed (S), and roasted plus steamed (R/S). Chemical, anatomical, and mechanical analyses were conducted before and after each treatment. Leaf samples were tested for tensile strength at both parallel and perpendicular orientation relative to the fibers. Musa paradisiaca had the highest proportion of cellulose, while the remaining species shared similar lower proportions. Leaves were stronger and stiffer in the longitudinal direction of the fibers. Musa paradisiaca leaves had higher values of mechanical strength than the other species. The cooking process that most affected the mechanical properties was steaming. The chemical constituents of the leaves are closely correlated with their physical properties. The treatment that caused the greatest decrease in leaf physical integrity was steaming, while the combination of roasting and steaming showed similar results to those of steaming alone. No evident anatomical changes are produced by any of the treatments. This is one of the few studies comparing physical, chemical, and anatomical characteristics of leaves used for human consumption, before and after cooking.

The anatomic basis for the acquisition of speech and obstructive sleep apnea: evidence from cephalometric analysis supports The Great Leap Forward hypothesis.

PubMed

Davidson, Terence M; Sedgh, Jacob; Tran, Duyen; Stepnowsky, Carl J

2005-11-01

We previously postulated how evolutionary changes in man's upper respiratory tract to facilitate speech, a phenomenon Jared Diamond calls The Great Leap Forward, have predisposed man to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [Diamond J. The Third Chimpanzee: the evolution and future of the human animal. New York: HarperCollins Publishers; 1992. p. 21, 23, 32-54, 54-6; Davidson TM. The Great Leap Forward: the anatomic evolution of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Medicine 2003;4:185-94]. We grouped these anatomic changes into four categories: klinorynchy, laryngeal descent, craniobase angulation and supralaryngeal vocal tract (SVT) ratio of SVT(H):SVT(V). This study was designed to investigate the relationship between cephalometric measures corresponding to these anatomic changes and OSA. One hundred and twenty-three male subjects presenting with symptoms of OSA underwent unattended multi-channel home sleep studies. We obtained cephalometric measurements from standard lateral cephalograms. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between cephalometrics and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), age, and body mass index (BMI). Our results showed significant correlation between AHI and klinorynchy, laryngeal descent, and craniobase angulation. Overall, our data supports the theory that evolutionary anatomic changes to facilitate speech correlate with OSA severity. The cumulative changes in each cephalometric category trended in the directions hypothesized and support the Great Leap theory of OSA evolution.

Direct radiocarbon dating and genetic analyses on the purported Neanderthal mandible from the Monti Lessini (Italy).

PubMed

Talamo, Sahra; Hajdinjak, Mateja; Mannino, Marcello A; Fasani, Leone; Welker, Frido; Martini, Fabio; Romagnoli, Francesca; Zorzin, Roberto; Meyer, Matthias; Hublin, Jean-Jacques

2016-07-08

Anatomically modern humans replaced Neanderthals in Europe around 40,000 years ago. The demise of the Neanderthals and the nature of the possible relationship with anatomically modern humans has captured our imagination and stimulated research for more than a century now. Recent chronological studies suggest a possible overlap between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans of more than 5,000 years. Analyses of ancient genome sequences from both groups have shown that they interbred multiple times, including in Europe. A potential place of interbreeding is the notable Palaeolithic site of Riparo Mezzena in Northern Italy. In order to improve our understanding of prehistoric occupation at Mezzena, we analysed the human mandible and several cranial fragments from the site using radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA, ZooMS and isotope analyses. We also performed a more detailed investigation of the lithic assemblage of layer I. Surprisingly we found that the Riparo Mezzena mandible is not from a Neanderthal but belonged to an anatomically modern human. Furthermore, we found no evidence for the presence of Neanderthal remains among 11 of the 13 cranial and post-cranial fragments re-investigated in this study.

Direct radiocarbon dating and genetic analyses on the purported Neanderthal mandible from the Monti Lessini (Italy)

PubMed Central

Talamo, Sahra; Hajdinjak, Mateja; Mannino, Marcello A.; Fasani, Leone; Welker, Frido; Martini, Fabio; Romagnoli, Francesca; Zorzin, Roberto; Meyer, Matthias; Hublin, Jean-Jacques

2016-01-01

Anatomically modern humans replaced Neanderthals in Europe around 40,000 years ago. The demise of the Neanderthals and the nature of the possible relationship with anatomically modern humans has captured our imagination and stimulated research for more than a century now. Recent chronological studies suggest a possible overlap between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans of more than 5,000 years. Analyses of ancient genome sequences from both groups have shown that they interbred multiple times, including in Europe. A potential place of interbreeding is the notable Palaeolithic site of Riparo Mezzena in Northern Italy. In order to improve our understanding of prehistoric occupation at Mezzena, we analysed the human mandible and several cranial fragments from the site using radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA, ZooMS and isotope analyses. We also performed a more detailed investigation of the lithic assemblage of layer I. Surprisingly we found that the Riparo Mezzena mandible is not from a Neanderthal but belonged to an anatomically modern human. Furthermore, we found no evidence for the presence of Neanderthal remains among 11 of the 13 cranial and post-cranial fragments re-investigated in this study. PMID:27389305

Quantitative vs. subjective portal verification using digital portal images.

PubMed

Bissett, R; Leszczynski, K; Loose, S; Boyko, S; Dunscombe, P

1996-01-15

Off-line, computer-aided prescription (simulator) and treatment (portal) image registration using chamfer matching has been implemented on PC based viewing station. The purposes of this study were (a) to evaluate the performance of interactive anatomy and field edge extraction and subsequent registration, and (b) to compare observer's perceptions of field accuracy with measured discrepancies following anatomical registration. Prescription-treatment image pairs for 48 different patients were examined in this study. Digital prescription images were produced with the aid of a television camera and a digital frame grabber, while the treatment images were obtained directly from an on-line portal imaging system. To facilitate perception of low contrast anatomical detail, on-line portal images were enhanced with selective adaptive histogram equalization prior to extraction of anatomical edges. Following interactive extraction of anatomical and field border information by an experienced observer, the identified anatomy was registered using chamfer matching. The degree of conformity between the prescription and treatment fields was quantified using several parameters, which included relative prescription field coverage and overcoverage, as well as the translational and rotational displacements as measured by chamfer matching applied to the boundaries of the two fields. These quantitative measures were compared with subjective evaluations made by four radiation oncologists. All the images in this series that included a range of the most commonly seen treatment sites were registered and the conformity parameters were found. The mean treatment/prescription field coverage and overcoverage were approximately 95 and 7%, respectively before registration. The mean translational displacement in the transverse and cranio-caudal directions were 2.9 and 3.4 mm, respectively. The mean rotational displacement was approximately 2 degrees. For all four oncologists, the portals classified as unacceptable, in terms of the field placement, exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.03) translational errors in the transverse direction. The field coverages were significantly lower (p < 0.05) and the translational errors in the cranio-caudal direction were significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the portals rated as unacceptable by two of the oncologists. From the parameters that were used to quantify the degree of conformity between the prescription and treatment fields, the translational error in the transverse direction correlated best with the oncologists' assessments on the field placement. Field coverage and translational error in the cranio-caudal direction correlated well with assessments of only two out of the four participating oncologists. This can be explained by the fact that for the majority of treatment sites included in the study the positioning of field borders was more critical for the transverse direction. A conclusion for the design of future quantitative and automated on-line portal verification systems is that they will have to model different perceived significances of different types of localization errors intrinsic to oncologist evaluation of portal images.

A study on automated anatomical labeling to arteries concerning with colon from 3D abdominal CT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoang, Bui Huy; Oda, Masahiro; Jiang, Zhengang; Kitasaka, Takayuki; Misawa, Kazunari; Fujiwara, Michitaka; Mori, Kensaku

2011-03-01

This paper presents an automated anatomical labeling method of arteries extracted from contrasted 3D CT images based on multi-class AdaBoost. In abdominal surgery, understanding of vasculature related to a target organ such as the colon is very important. Therefore, the anatomical structure of blood vessels needs to be understood by computers in a system supporting abdominal surgery. There are several researches on automated anatomical labeling, but there is no research on automated anatomical labeling to arteries concerning with the colon. The proposed method obtains a tree structure of arteries from the artery region and calculates features values of each branch. These feature values are thickness, curvature, direction, and running vectors of branch. Then, candidate arterial names are computed by classifiers that are trained to output artery names. Finally, a global optimization process is applied to the candidate arterial names to determine final names. Target arteries of this paper are nine lower abdominal arteries (AO, LCIA, RCIA, LEIA, REIA, SMA, IMA, LIIA, RIIA). We applied the proposed method to 14 cases of 3D abdominal contrasted CT images, and evaluated the results by leave-one-out scheme. The average precision and recall rates of the proposed method were 87.9% and 93.3%, respectively. The results of this method are applicable for anatomical name display of surgical simulation and computer aided surgery.

How spatial abilities and dynamic visualizations interplay when learning functional anatomy with 3D anatomical models.

PubMed

Berney, Sandra; Bétrancourt, Mireille; Molinari, Gaëlle; Hoyek, Nady

2015-01-01

The emergence of dynamic visualizations of three-dimensional (3D) models in anatomy curricula may be an adequate solution for spatial difficulties encountered with traditional static learning, as they provide direct visualization of change throughout the viewpoints. However, little research has explored the interplay between learning material presentation formats, spatial abilities, and anatomical tasks. First, to understand the cognitive challenges a novice learner would be faced with when first exposed to 3D anatomical content, a six-step cognitive task analysis was developed. Following this, an experimental study was conducted to explore how presentation formats (dynamic vs. static visualizations) support learning of functional anatomy, and affect subsequent anatomical tasks derived from the cognitive task analysis. A second aim was to investigate the interplay between spatial abilities (spatial visualization and spatial relation) and presentation formats when the functional anatomy of a 3D scapula and the associated shoulder flexion movement are learned. Findings showed no main effect of the presentation formats on performances, but revealed the predictive influence of spatial visualization and spatial relation abilities on performance. However, an interesting interaction between presentation formats and spatial relation ability for a specific anatomical task was found. This result highlighted the influence of presentation formats when spatial abilities are involved as well as the differentiated influence of spatial abilities on anatomical tasks. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.

Femorofemoral bypass grafting in high-risk patients.

PubMed

Deruyter, L; Caes, F; Van den Brande, P; Cham, B; Welch, W

1986-01-01

A total of 37 extra-anatomic femorofemoral bypasses were inserted for severe unilateral iliac artery stenosis or a thrombosed graft limb of an aorto-bifemoral bifurcation graft. All patients were severely debilitated and at high risk for direct aorto-iliac reconstruction. 30% suffered severe claudication; 70% had ischemic restpain or trophic lesions. 43% died during a mean follow-up period of 17 months. This study demonstrates that the extra-anatomic femoro-femoral bypass procedure is an effective alternative therapeutic modality for high-risk patients with an acceptable operative mortality (5.4%) and morbidity to improve the quality of life.

The relationship between anatomically correct electric and magnetic field dosimetry and publishe delectric and magnetic field exposure limits.

PubMed

Kavet, Robert; Dovan, Thanh; Reilly, J Patrick

2012-12-01

Electric and magnetic field exposure limits published by International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are aimed at protection against adverse electrostimulation, which may occur by direct coupling to excitable tissue and, in the case of electric fields, through indirect means associated with surface charge effects (e.g. hair vibration, skin sensations), spark discharge and contact current. For direct coupling, the basic restriction (BR) specifies the not-to-be-exceeded induced electric field. The key results of anatomically based electric and magnetic field dosimetry studies and the relevant characteristics of excitable tissue were first identified. This permitted us to assess the electric and magnetic field exposure levels that induce dose in tissue equal to the basic restrictions, and the relationships of those exposure levels to the limits now in effect. We identify scenarios in which direct coupling of electric fields to peripheral nerve could be a determining factor for electric field limits.

ACL Fibers Inserting on the Lateral Intercondylar Ridge Carry the Greatest Loads - Are Modern Anatomic Femoral Tunnel Positions Too Low?

PubMed Central

Nawabi, Danyal H.; Imhauser, Carl; Tucker, Scott; Nguyen, Joseph; Wickiewicz, Thomas L.; Pearle, Andrew

2014-01-01

Objectives: Histological studies have shown that the ACL has a direct and indirect insertion on the femur [1]. The direct insertion is located along the lateral intercondylar ridge and the indirect insertion is located ‘lower’ on the lateral wall of the notch. The trend towards anatomic ACL reconstruction using the anteromedial (AM) portal technique has resulted in ‘lower’ non-isometric femoral tunnel positions and increased graft failures [2]. To our knowledge, the load transfer properties of the direct and indirect ACL insertions have not been studied. This information may help in understanding the increased failures reported with AM portal drilling. The purpose of this study was, 1) to compare the load transferred across the native ACL at the direct and indirect femoral insertions and, 2) to determine the strain behavior of ACL grafts placed at different tunnel locations within the direct and indirect insertions. Methods: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean age, 52.5 years; range, 29-65) were mounted to a six degree of freedom robot. A 134N anterior load at 30 and 90° flexion and a combined valgus (8Nm) and internal (4Nm) rotational moment at 15° flexion were applied. The ACL was subsequently sectioned at the femoral footprint by detaching either the direct or indirect insertion (partially sectioned state), followed by the remainder of the ACL (completely sectioned state) (Figure 1). The kinematics of the intact knee were replayed after each stage of sectioning to determine the loads transferred across the direct and indirect ACL fibers. Loads were expressed as a percentage of the total load borne by the ACL. Strain behaviour was tested by generating 3D models of the femur and tibia from CT scans of each knee. Three tunnel locations (anteromedial bundle [AM], center [C], posterolateral bundle [PL]) each were selected for the direct and indirect insertions and a virtual ACL graft was inserted. The isometry of the virtual graft was calculated through a flexion path of 0 to 90°. Results: Under an anterior tibial load at 30° flexion, the direct insertion carried 83.9% of the total ACL load compared to 16.1% in the indirect insertion (p<0.001). The direct insertion also carried more load at 90° flexion (95.2% vs 4.8%; p<0.001). Under a combined rotatory load at 15° flexion, the direct insertion carried 84.2% of the total ACL load compared to 15.8% in the indirect insertion (p<0.001). A virtual ACL graft placed at the AM position in the direct insertion demonstrated the best strain behaviour with a mean 10.9% change in length. This value was significantly lower (p<0.001) than the isometry at all 3 tunnel positions in the indirect insertion (AM = 18.5%; C = 24.9%; PL = 30.9%). Conclusion: Fibers in the direct insertion of the ACL carry more load than fibers in the indirect insertion. Virtual ACL grafts placed in the ‘higher’ direct location are more isometric than in the ‘lower’ indirect location during range of motion testing. Clinical Relevance: ‘Low’ ACL grafts in the indirect ACL insertion, resulting from AM portal drilling techniques, may experience higher loads in-vivo due to unfavorable biomechanics. With the current shift towards anatomic ACL reconstruction, it may be beneficial to create a ‘higher’ femoral tunnel within the direct insertion at the lateral intercondylar ridge. This position remains anatomical but may also be biomechanically favorable.

Measuring Brain Connectivity: Diffusion Tensor Imaging Validates Resting State Temporal Correlations

PubMed Central

Skudlarski, Pawel; Jagannathan, Kanchana; Calhoun, Vince D.; Hampson, Michelle; Skudlarska, Beata A.; Pearlson, Godfrey

2015-01-01

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state temporal correlations (RSTC) are two leading techniques for investigating the connectivity of the human brain. They have been widely used to investigate the strength of anatomical and functional connections between distant brain regions in healthy subjects, and in clinical populations. Though they are both based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) they have not yet been compared directly. In this work both techniques were employed to create global connectivity matrices covering the whole brain gray matter. This allowed for direct comparisons between functional connectivity measured by RSTC with anatomical connectivity quantified using DTI tractography. We found that connectivity matrices obtained using both techniques showed significant agreement. Connectivity maps created for a priori defined anatomical regions showed significant correlation, and furthermore agreement was especially high in regions showing strong overall connectivity, such as those belonging to the default mode network. Direct comparison between functional RSTC and anatomical DTI connectivity, presented here for the first time, links two powerful approaches for investigating brain connectivity and shows their strong agreement. It provides a crucial multi-modal validation for resting state correlations as representing neuronal connectivity. The combination of both techniques presented here allows for further combining them to provide richer representation of brain connectivity both in the healthy brain and in clinical conditions. PMID:18771736

Measuring brain connectivity: diffusion tensor imaging validates resting state temporal correlations.

PubMed

Skudlarski, Pawel; Jagannathan, Kanchana; Calhoun, Vince D; Hampson, Michelle; Skudlarska, Beata A; Pearlson, Godfrey

2008-11-15

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state temporal correlations (RSTC) are two leading techniques for investigating the connectivity of the human brain. They have been widely used to investigate the strength of anatomical and functional connections between distant brain regions in healthy subjects, and in clinical populations. Though they are both based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) they have not yet been compared directly. In this work both techniques were employed to create global connectivity matrices covering the whole brain gray matter. This allowed for direct comparisons between functional connectivity measured by RSTC with anatomical connectivity quantified using DTI tractography. We found that connectivity matrices obtained using both techniques showed significant agreement. Connectivity maps created for a priori defined anatomical regions showed significant correlation, and furthermore agreement was especially high in regions showing strong overall connectivity, such as those belonging to the default mode network. Direct comparison between functional RSTC and anatomical DTI connectivity, presented here for the first time, links two powerful approaches for investigating brain connectivity and shows their strong agreement. It provides a crucial multi-modal validation for resting state correlations as representing neuronal connectivity. The combination of both techniques presented here allows for further combining them to provide richer representation of brain connectivity both in the healthy brain and in clinical conditions.

An anatomical and histological study of the structures surrounding the proximal attachment of the hamstring muscles.

PubMed

Pérez-Bellmunt, Albert; Miguel-Pérez, Maribel; Brugué, Marc Blasi; Cabús, Juan Blasi; Casals, Martí; Martinoli, Carlo; Kuisma, Raija

2015-06-01

The proximal attachment of hamstring muscles has a very high incidence of injuries due to a wide number of factors and its morphology may be one of the underlying factors as scientific literature points out. The connective tissue component of the attachment of hamstring muscles is not well known. For this reason the aim of this study is to describe the anatomy and histology surrounding the proximal attachment of the hamstring muscles (PAHM) and its direct anatomic relations. Forty-eight cryopreserved lower limbs have sequentially been studied by means of dissection, anatomical sections and histology. All specimens studied presented an annular connective tissue structure that resembles a retinaculum, which covers and adapts to the attachment of hamstring muscles on the ischial tuberosity. The results show how this retinaculum is continuous with the long head of biceps femoris muscle, however there is a layer of loose connective tissue between the retinaculum and the semitendinosus muscle. Furthermore, this structure receives expansions of the anterior epimysium of the gluteus maximus muscle (GIM). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Joint kinematic calculation based on clinical direct kinematic versus inverse kinematic gait models.

PubMed

Kainz, H; Modenese, L; Lloyd, D G; Maine, S; Walsh, H P J; Carty, C P

2016-06-14

Most clinical gait laboratories use the conventional gait analysis model. This model uses a computational method called Direct Kinematics (DK) to calculate joint kinematics. In contrast, musculoskeletal modelling approaches use Inverse Kinematics (IK) to obtain joint angles. IK allows additional analysis (e.g. muscle-tendon length estimates), which may provide valuable information for clinical decision-making in people with movement disorders. The twofold aims of the current study were: (1) to compare joint kinematics obtained by a clinical DK model (Vicon Plug-in-Gait) with those produced by a widely used IK model (available with the OpenSim distribution), and (2) to evaluate the difference in joint kinematics that can be solely attributed to the different computational methods (DK versus IK), anatomical models and marker sets by using MRI based models. Eight children with cerebral palsy were recruited and presented for gait and MRI data collection sessions. Differences in joint kinematics up to 13° were found between the Plug-in-Gait and the gait 2392 OpenSim model. The majority of these differences (94.4%) were attributed to differences in the anatomical models, which included different anatomical segment frames and joint constraints. Different computational methods (DK versus IK) were responsible for only 2.7% of the differences. We recommend using the same anatomical model for kinematic and musculoskeletal analysis to ensure consistency between the obtained joint angles and musculoskeletal estimates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mid-term outcome of endovascular treatment for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.

PubMed

Jiang, Kun; Li, Xiao-Qiang; Sang, Hong-Fei; Qian, Ai-Min; Rong, Jian-Jie; Li, Cheng-Long

2017-04-01

Purposes of the study To evaluate the benefit of stenting the iliac vein in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. Procedures In this randomized prospective study, patients with a first-time acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis that had persisted <14 days were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. After catheter-directed thrombolysis, patients with >50% residual iliac vein stenosis were randomly divided into two groups: catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. Patients received urokinase thrombolysis and low-molecular-weight heparin/oral warfarin during the hospitalization period and were administrated oral warfarin after discharge. Cumulative deep vein patency, the Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification system, the Venous Clinical Severity Score and the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score were evaluated. Findings The cumulative deep vein patency rate was 74.07% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and 46.59% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score was significantly lower in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score was significantly higher in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. Conclusions Placement of an iliac vein stent in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis after catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis increases iliac vein patency and improves clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life at mid-term follow-up compared to patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis alone.

Single-Blinded Prospective Implementation of a Preoperative Imaging Checklist for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

PubMed

Error, Marc; Ashby, Shaelene; Orlandi, Richard R; Alt, Jeremiah A

2018-01-01

Objective To determine if the introduction of a systematic preoperative sinus computed tomography (CT) checklist improves identification of critical anatomic variations in sinus anatomy among patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Study Design Single-blinded prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods Otolaryngology residents were asked to identify critical surgical sinus anatomy on preoperative CT scans before and after introduction of a systematic approach to reviewing sinus CT scans. The percentage of correctly identified structures was documented and compared with a 2-sample t test. Results A total of 57 scans were reviewed: 28 preimplementation and 29 postimplementation. Implementation of the sinus CT checklist improved identification of critical sinus anatomy from 24% to 84% correct ( P < .001). All residents, junior and senior, demonstrated significant improvement in identification of sinus anatomic variants, including those not directly included in the systematic review implemented. Conclusion The implementation of a preoperative endoscopic sinus surgery radiographic checklist improves identification of critical anatomic sinus variations in a training population.

Morphometric analysis of the relationships between intervertebral disc and vertebral body heights: an anatomical and radiographic study of the human thoracic spine

PubMed Central

Kunkel, Maria E; Herkommer, Andrea; Reinehr, Michael; Böckers, Tobias M; Wilke, Hans-Joachim

2011-01-01

The main aim of this study was to provide anatomical data on the heights of the human intervertebral discs for all levels of the thoracic spine by direct and radiographic measurements. Additionally, the heights of the neighboring vertebral bodies were measured, and the prediction of the disc heights based only on the size of the vertebral bodies was investigated. The anterior (ADH), middle (MDH) and posterior heights (PDH) of the discs were measured directly and on radiographs of 72 spine segments from 30 donors (age 57.43 ± 11.27 years). The radiographic measurement error and the reliability of the measurements were calculated. Linear and non-linear regression analyses were employed for investigation of statistical correlations between the heights of the thoracic disc and vertebrae. Radiographic measurements displayed lower repeatability and were shorter than the anatomical ones (approximately 9% for ADH and 37% for PDH). The thickness of the discs varied from 4.5 to 7.2 mm, with the MDH approximately 22.7% greater. The disc heights showed good correlations with the vertebral body heights (R2, 0.659–0.835, P-values < 0.005; anova), allowing the generation of 10 prediction equations. New data on thoracic disc morphometry were provided in this study. The generated set of regression equations could be used to predict thoracic disc heights from radiographic measurement of the vertebral body height posterior. For the creation of parameterized models of the human thoracic discs, the use of the prediction equations could eliminate the need for direct measurement on intervertebral discs. Moreover, the error produced by radiographic measurements could be reduced at least for the PDH. PMID:21615399

Anatomical classification of breast sentinel lymph nodes using computed tomography-lymphography.

PubMed

Fujita, Tamaki; Miura, Hiroyuki; Seino, Hiroko; Ono, Shuichi; Nishi, Takashi; Nishimura, Akimasa; Hakamada, Kenichi; Aoki, Masahiko

2018-05-03

To evaluate the anatomical classification and location of breast sentinel lymph nodes, preoperative computed tomography-lymphography examinations were retrospectively reviewed for sentinel lymph nodes in 464 cases clinically diagnosed with node-negative breast cancer between July 2007 and June 2016. Anatomical classification was performed based on the numbers of lymphatic routes and sentinel lymph nodes, the flow direction of lymphatic routes, and the location of sentinel lymph nodes. Of the 464 cases reviewed, anatomical classification could be performed in 434 (93.5 %). The largest number of cases showed single route/single sentinel lymph node (n = 296, 68.2 %), followed by multiple routes/multiple sentinel lymph nodes (n = 59, 13.6 %), single route/multiple sentinel lymph nodes (n = 53, 12.2 %), and multiple routes/single sentinel lymph node (n = 26, 6.0 %). Classification based on the flow direction of lymphatic routes showed that 429 cases (98.8 %) had outward flow on the superficial fascia toward axillary lymph nodes, whereas classification based on the height of sentinel lymph nodes showed that 323 cases (74.4 %) belonged to the upper pectoral group of axillary lymph nodes. There was wide variation in the number of lymphatic routes and their branching patterns and in the number, location, and direction of flow of sentinel lymph nodes. It is clinically very important to preoperatively understand the anatomical morphology of lymphatic routes and sentinel lymph nodes for optimal treatment of breast cancer, and computed tomography-lymphography is suitable for this purpose.

Anatomic variation and orgasm: Could variations in anatomy explain differences in orgasmic success?

PubMed

Emhardt, E; Siegel, J; Hoffman, L

2016-07-01

Though the public consciousness is typically focused on factors such as psychology, penis size, and the presence of the "G-spot," there are other anatomical and neuro-anatomic differences that could play an equal, or more important, role in the frequency and intensity of orgasms. Discovering these variations could direct further medical or procedural management to improve sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study is to review the available literature of anatomical sexual variation and to explain why this variation may predispose some patients toward a particular sexual experience. In this review, we explored the available literature on sexual anatomy and neuro-anatomy. We used PubMed and OVID Medline for search terms, including orgasm, penile size variation, clitoral variation, Grafenberg spot, and benefits of orgasm. First we review the basic anatomy and innervation of the reproductive organs. Then we describe several anatomical variations that likely play a superior role to popular known variation (penis size, presence of g-spot, etc). For males, the delicate play between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems is vital to achieve orgasm. For females, the autonomic component is more complex. The clitoris is the primary anatomical feature for female orgasm, including its migration toward the anterior vaginal wall. In conclusions, orgasms are complex phenomena involving psychological, physiological, and anatomic variation. While these variations predispose people to certain sexual function, future research should explore how to surgically or medically alter these. Clin. Anat. 29:665-672, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measurement of the thickness of the urethrovaginal space in women with or without vaginal orgasm.

PubMed

Gravina, Giovanni Luca; Brandetti, Fulvia; Martini, Paolo; Carosa, Eleonora; Di Stasi, Savino M; Morano, Susanna; Lenzi, Andrea; Jannini, Emmanuele A

2008-03-01

The physiology and anatomy of female sexual function are poorly understood. The differences in sexual function among women may be partly attributed to anatomical factors. The purpose of this study was to use ultrasonography to evaluate the anatomical variability of the urethrovaginal space in women with and without vaginal orgasm. Twenty healthy, neurologically intact volunteers were recruited from a population of women who were a part of a previous published study. All women underwent a complete urodynamic evaluation and those with clinical and urodynamic urinary incontinence, idiopathic detrusor overactivity, or micturition disorders, as well as postmenopausal women and those with sexual dysfunction were excluded. The reported experience of vaginal orgasm was investigated. The urethrovaginal space thickness as measured by ultrasound was chosen as the indicator of urogenital anatomical variability. Designated evaluators carried out the measurements in a blinded fashion. The urethrovaginal space and distal, middle, and proximal urethrovaginal segments were thinner in women without vaginal orgasm. A direct correlation between the presence of vaginal orgasm and the thickness of urethrovaginal space was found. Women with a thicker urethrovaginal space were more likely to experience vaginal orgasm (r = 0.884; P = 0.015). A direct and significant correlation between the thickness of each urethrovaginal segment and the presence of vaginal orgasm was found, with the best correlation observed for the distal segment (r = 0.863; P < 0.0001). Interobserver agreement between the designated evaluators was excellent (r = 0.87; P < 0.001). The measurement of the space within the anterior vaginal wall by ultrasonography is a simple tool to explore anatomical variability of the human clitoris-urethrovaginal complex, also known as the G-spot, which can be correlated to the ability to experience the vaginally activated orgasm.

Evolution of the Anatomical Theatre in Padova

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macchi, Veronica; Porzionato, Andrea; Stecco, Carla; Caro, Raffaele

2014-01-01

The anatomical theatre played a pivotal role in the evolution of medical education, allowing students to directly observe and participate in the process of dissection. Due to the increase of training programs in clinical anatomy, the Institute of Human Anatomy at the University of Padova has renovated its dissecting room. The main guidelines in…

Importance of preoperative imaging with 64-row three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography for safer video-assisted thoracic surgery in lung cancer.

PubMed

Akiba, Tadashi; Marushima, Hideki; Harada, Junta; Kobayashi, Susumu; Morikawa, Toshiaki

2009-01-01

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has recently been adopted for complicated anatomical lung resections. During these thoracoscopic procedures, surgeons view the operative field on a two-dimensional (2-D) video monitor and cannot palpate the organ directly, thus frequently encountering anatomical difficulties. This study aimed to estimate the usefulness of preoperative three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of thoracic organs. We compared the preoperative 64-row three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography (3DMDCT) findings of lung cancer-affected thoracic organs to the operative findings. In comparison to the operative findings, the branches of pulmonary arteries, veins, and bronchi were well defined in the 3D-MDCT images of 27 patients. 3D-MDCT imaging is useful for preoperatively understanding the individual thoracic anatomy in lung cancer surgery. This modality can therefore contribute to safer anatomical pulmonary operations, especially in VATS.

Comparison of directly measured arterial blood pressure at various anatomic locations in anesthetized dogs.

PubMed

Acierno, Mark J; Domingues, Michelle E; Ramos, Sara J; Shelby, Amanda M; da Cunha, Anderson F

2015-03-01

To determine whether directly measured arterial blood pressure differs among anatomic locations and whether arterial blood pressure is influenced by body position. 33 client-owned dogs undergoing anesthesia. Dogs undergoing anesthetic procedures had 20-gauge catheters placed in both the superficial palmar arch and the contralateral dorsal pedal artery (group 1 [n = 20]) or the superficial palmar arch and median sacral artery (group 2 [13]). Dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP), and diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP) were recorded for both arteries 4 times (2-minute interval between successive measurements). Dogs were positioned in right lateral recumbency, and blood pressure measurements were repeated. Differences were detected between pressures measured at the 2 arterial sites in both groups. This was especially true for SAP measurements in group 1, in which hind limb measurements were a mean of 16.12 mm Hg higher than carpus measurements when dogs were in dorsal recumbency and 14.70 mm Hg higher than carpus measurements when dogs were in lateral recumbency. Also, there was significant dispersion about the mean for all SAP, DAP, and MAP measurements. Results suggested that arterial blood pressures may be dependent on anatomic location and body position. Because this may affect outcomes of studies conducted to validate indirect blood pressure measurement systems, care must be used when developing future studies or interpreting previous results.

Energy dynamics of the intraventricular vortex after mitral valve surgery.

PubMed

Nakashima, Kouki; Itatani, Keiichi; Kitamura, Tadashi; Oka, Norihiko; Horai, Tetsuya; Miyazaki, Shohei; Nie, Masaki; Miyaji, Kagami

2017-09-01

Mitral valve morphology after mitral valve surgery affects postoperative intraventricular flow patterns and long-term cardiac performance. We visualized ventricular flow by echocardiography vector flow mapping (VFM) to reveal the impact of different mitral valve procedures. Eleven cases of mechanical mitral valve replacement (nine in the anti-anatomical and two in the anatomical position), three bioprosthetic mitral valve replacements, and four mitral valve repairs were evaluated. The mean age at the procedure was 57.4 ± 17.8 year, and the echocardiography VFM in the apical long-axis view was performed 119.9 ± 126.7 months later. Flow energy loss (EL), kinetic pressure (KP), and the flow energy efficiency ratio (EL/KP) were measured. The cases with MVR in the anatomical position and with valve repair had normal vortex directionality ("Clockwise"; N = 6), whereas those with MVR in the anti-anatomical position and with a bioprosthetic mitral valve had the vortex in the opposite direction ("Counterclockwise"; N = 12). During diastole, vortex direction had no effect on EL ("Clockwise": 0.080 ± 0.025 W/m; "Counterclockwise": 0.083 ± 0.048 W/m; P = 0.31) or KP ("Clockwise": 0.117 ± 0.021 N; "Counterclockwise": 0.099 ± 0.057 N; P = 0.023). However, during systole, the EL/KP ratio was significantly higher in the "Counterclockwise" vortex than that in the "Clockwise" vortex (1.056 ± 0.463 vs. 0.617 ± 0.158; P = 0.009). MVP and MVR with a mechanical valve in the anatomical position preserve the physiological vortex, whereas MVR with a mechanical valve in the anti-anatomical position and a bioprosthetic mitral valve generate inefficient vortex flow patterns, resulting in a potential increase in excessive cardiac workload.

Comparative histology of mouse, rat, and human pelvic ligaments.

PubMed

Iwanaga, Ritsuko; Orlicky, David J; Arnett, Jameson; Guess, Marsha K; Hurt, K Joseph; Connell, Kathleen A

2016-11-01

The uterosacral (USL) and cardinal ligaments (CL) provide support to the uterus and pelvic organs, and the round ligaments (RL) maintain their position in the pelvis. In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the connective tissue, smooth muscle, vasculature, and innervation of the pelvic support structures are altered. Rodents are commonly used animal models for POP research. However, the pelvic ligaments have not been defined in these animals. In this study, we hypothesized that the gross anatomy and histological composition of pelvic ligaments in rodents and humans are similar. We performed an extensive literature search for anatomical and histological descriptions of the pelvic support ligaments in rodents. We also performed anatomical dissections of the pelvis to define anatomical landmarks in relation to the ligaments. In addition, we identified the histological components of the pelvic ligaments and performed quantitative analysis of the smooth muscle bundles and connective tissue of the USL and RL. The anatomy of the USL, CL, and RL and their anatomical landmarks are similar in mice, rats, and humans. All species contain the same cellular components and have similar histological architecture. However, the cervical portion of the mouse USL and RL contain more smooth muscle and less connective tissue compared with rat and human ligaments. The pelvic support structures of rats and mice are anatomically and histologically similar to those of humans. We propose that both mice and rats are appropriate, cost-effective models for directed studies in POP research.

Medical Student Preferences for Self-Directed Study Resources in Gross Anatomy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi-Lundberg, Derek L.; Low, Tze Feng; Patman, Phillip; Turner, Paul; Sinha, Sankar N.

2016-01-01

Gross anatomy instruction in medical curricula involve a range of resources and activities including dissection, prosected specimens, anatomical models, radiological images, surface anatomy, textbooks, atlases, and computer-assisted learning (CAL). These resources and activities are underpinned by the expectation that students will actively engage…

Anomalous Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery from the Aortic Arch

PubMed Central

Einstein, Evan H.; Song, Linda H.; Villela, Natalia L. A.; Fasani-Feldberg, Gregory B.; Jacobs, Jonathan L.; Kim, Dolly O.; Nathawat, Akshay; Patel, Devika; Bender, Roger B.; Peters, Daniel F.

2016-01-01

Anatomic anomalies of the aortic arch have implications for clinical practice if their significance is understood. Our case study involves a cadaveric finding of the left vertebral artery originating directly from the aortic arch. Although this anatomical variation has been documented, the prevalence of this anomaly may be generally underestimated. After noting this anomaly, we analyzed 27 cases and found that four female cadavers had the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch rather than the left subclavian artery. With a prevalence rate of 14.8%, it would seem that this anomaly is more significant than previously thought, which could have implications for surgical practice. PMID:27757404

Anomalous Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery from the Aortic Arch.

PubMed

Einstein, Evan H; Song, Linda H; Villela, Natalia L A; Fasani-Feldberg, Gregory B; Jacobs, Jonathan L; Kim, Dolly O; Nathawat, Akshay; Patel, Devika; Bender, Roger B; Peters, Daniel F

2016-04-01

Anatomic anomalies of the aortic arch have implications for clinical practice if their significance is understood. Our case study involves a cadaveric finding of the left vertebral artery originating directly from the aortic arch. Although this anatomical variation has been documented, the prevalence of this anomaly may be generally underestimated. After noting this anomaly, we analyzed 27 cases and found that four female cadavers had the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch rather than the left subclavian artery. With a prevalence rate of 14.8%, it would seem that this anomaly is more significant than previously thought, which could have implications for surgical practice.

The anatomical basis for wrinkles.

PubMed

Pessa, Joel E; Nguyen, Hang; John, George B; Scherer, Philipp E

2014-02-01

Light and electron microscopy have not identified a distinct anatomical structure associated with either skin wrinkles or creases, and a histological difference between wrinkled and adjacent skin has not been identified. The authors investigate whether facial wrinkles are related to underlying lymphatic vessels and perilymphatic fat. Lymphatic vessels with a specialized tube of perilymphatic fat were identified beneath palmar creases. Sections of skin, adipose tissue, and muscle were harvested from each of 13 cadavers. Three sites were investigated: the transverse forehead crease, lateral orbicularis oculi wrinkle (crow's feet), and the nasojugal crease. The tissue was paraffin embedded and processed. Two-step indirect immunohistochemistry was performed, and images were examined using laser confocal microscopy. Measurements were taken with software. Every wrinkle examined was found above and within ±1 mm of a major lymphatic vessel and its surrounding tube of adipose tissue. The results satisfied our null hypothesis and were statistically significant. Lymphatic vessels were identified by positive immunofluorescence as well as histological criteria. These findings have been further validated by fluorochrome tracer studies. An anatomical basis for wrinkles was identified among the specimens studied. Lymphatic vessels, along with the surrounding distinct perilymphatic fat, traveled directly beneath wrinkles and creases. Lymphatic dysregulation leads to inflammation, scarring, and fibrosis, but inadvertent injection of these vessels can be avoided with anatomical knowledge.

Technical report on semiautomatic segmentation using the Adobe Photoshop.

PubMed

Park, Jin Seo; Chung, Min Suk; Hwang, Sung Bae; Lee, Yong Sook; Har, Dong-Hwan

2005-12-01

The purpose of this research is to enable users to semiautomatically segment the anatomical structures in magnetic resonance images (MRIs), computerized tomographs (CTs), and other medical images on a personal computer. The segmented images are used for making 3D images, which are helpful to medical education and research. To achieve this purpose, the following trials were performed. The entire body of a volunteer was scanned to make 557 MRIs. On Adobe Photoshop, contours of 19 anatomical structures in the MRIs were semiautomatically drawn using MAGNETIC LASSO TOOL and manually corrected using either LASSO TOOL or DIRECT SELECTION TOOL to make 557 segmented images. In a similar manner, 13 anatomical structures in 8,590 anatomical images were segmented. Proper segmentation was verified by making 3D images from the segmented images. Semiautomatic segmentation using Adobe Photoshop is expected to be widely used for segmentation of anatomical structures in various medical images.

Determinants of the electric field during transcranial direct current stimulation.

PubMed

Opitz, Alexander; Paulus, Walter; Will, Susanne; Antunes, Andre; Thielscher, Axel

2015-04-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) causes a complex spatial distribution of the electric current flow in the head which hampers the accurate localization of the stimulated brain areas. In this study we show how various anatomical features systematically shape the electric field distribution in the brain during tDCS. We constructed anatomically realistic finite element (FEM) models of two individual heads including conductivity anisotropy and different skull layers. We simulated a widely employed electrode montage to induce motor cortex plasticity and moved the stimulating electrode over the motor cortex in small steps to examine the resulting changes of the electric field distribution in the underlying cortex. We examined the effect of skull thickness and composition on the passing currents showing that thinner skull regions lead to higher electric field strengths. This effect is counteracted by a larger proportion of higher conducting spongy bone in thicker regions leading to a more homogenous current over the skull. Using a multiple regression model we could identify key factors that determine the field distribution to a significant extent, namely the thicknesses of the cerebrospinal fluid and the skull, the gyral depth and the distance to the anode and cathode. These factors account for up to 50% of the spatial variation of the electric field strength. Further, we demonstrate that individual anatomical factors can lead to stimulation "hotspots" which are partly resistant to electrode positioning. Our results give valuable novel insights in the biophysical foundation of tDCS and highlight the importance to account for individual anatomical factors when choosing an electrode montage. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Microscope against Cell Theory: Cancer Research in Nineteenth-Century Parisian Anatomical Pathology

PubMed Central

Loison, Laurent

2016-01-01

This paper examines the reception of cell theory in the field of French anatomical pathology. This reception is studied under the lens of the concept of the cancer cell, which was developed in Paris in the 1840s. In the medical field, cell theory was quickly accessible, understood, and discussed. In the wake of research by Hermann Lebert, the cancer cell concept was supported by a wealth of high-quality microscopic observations. The concept was constructed in opposition to cell theory, which appears retrospectively paradoxical and surprising. Indeed, the biological atomism inherent in cell theory, according to which the cell is the elementary unit of all organs of living bodies, appeared at the time incompatible with the possible existence of pathological cells without equivalent in healthy tissues. Thus, the postulate of atomism was used as an argument by Parisian clinicians who denied the value of the cancer cell. This study shows that at least in the field of anatomical pathology, cell theory did not directly result from the use of the microscope but was actually hindered by it. PMID:26787747

Methods for estimating missing human skeletal element osteometric dimensions employed in the revised fully technique for estimating stature.

PubMed

Auerbach, Benjamin M

2011-05-01

One of the greatest limitations to the application of the revised Fully anatomical stature estimation method is the inability to measure some of the skeletal elements required in its calculation. These element dimensions cannot be obtained due to taphonomic factors, incomplete excavation, or disease processes, and result in missing data. This study examines methods of imputing these missing dimensions using observable Fully measurements from the skeleton and the accuracy of incorporating these missing element estimations into anatomical stature reconstruction. These are further assessed against stature estimations obtained from mathematical regression formulae for the lower limb bones (femur and tibia). Two thousand seven hundred and seventeen North and South American indigenous skeletons were measured, and subsets of these with observable Fully dimensions were used to simulate missing elements and create estimation methods and equations. Comparisons were made directly between anatomically reconstructed statures and mathematically derived statures, as well as with anatomically derived statures with imputed missing dimensions. These analyses demonstrate that, while mathematical stature estimations are more accurate, anatomical statures incorporating missing dimensions are not appreciably less accurate and are more precise. The anatomical stature estimation method using imputed missing dimensions is supported. Missing element estimation, however, is limited to the vertebral column (only when lumbar vertebrae are present) and to talocalcaneal height (only when femora and tibiae are present). Crania, entire vertebral columns, and femoral or tibial lengths cannot be reliably estimated. Further discussion of the applicability of these methods is discussed. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Anatomic determination of optimal entry point and direction for C1 lateral mass screw placement.

PubMed

Blagg, Stuart E; Don, Angus S; Robertson, Peter A

2009-06-01

Anatomic study of C1 osteology using computerized tomography. To define the anatomy of the C1 lateral mass and make recommendations for optimal entry point and screw placement at C1. C1 lateral mass screw fixation is a reliable biomechanical technique that gives equivalent stability to that of Magerl transarticular screw fixation combined with posterior wiring for C1-C2 fusion. Use of a lateral mass screw allows alternative stabilization constructs to the transarticular technique when C2 vertebral artery anatomy is unfavorable. Because the vertebral artery travels lateral to the lateral mass, then crosses medially over the C1 neural arch, it is at risk during instrumentation. Medially, the cord and canal contents are at risk. While the anatomy of the C1 vertebra and lateral mass is well known, specific definition of ideal entry points, screw pathway direction, and dimensions of screws requires further clarification to enable a clinically safe surgical technique. Fifty consecutive patients underwent computerized tomography scans of their cervical spine. Using calibrated scans, measurements were taken to give the average dimensions of the C1 vertebra with a view for insertion of lateral mass screws beneath the posterior arch. The range of anatomic dimensions was examined to assess risk of vertebral artery damage in this population. The average length of screw within the lateral mass is 17.9 mm with 21.5 mm of screw posterior to the lateral mass, necessary to allow rod placement posteriorly. The safest entry point was directly beneath the medial edge of the posterior arch/lamina where it joins the lateral mass. The ideal direction of screw angulation in the sagittal plane was parallel to the posterior arch of C1. In the medial lateral plane, direct anterior placement could be used, but the lateral mass will tolerate 20 degrees of medial angulation from this starting point. The average distance between the vertebral artery foramen laterally and the screw pathway was 8.8 mm using these landmarks, and 5.8 mm from the medial aspect of the lateral mass. The range of anatomic variation was such that 9 lateral masses had a vertebral artery foramen to screw distance of only 3 mm. The vertebral artery was not at risk when these anatomic landmarks were used. C1 lateral mass screws are best placed beneath the posterior arch, parallel with the arch in the sagittal plan. The entry point is the medial border of the neural arch at its junction with the lateral mass. Straight ahead screw direction is safe in the axial plane, but up to 20 degrees of medial angulation will increase the safety margin from the vertebral artery foramen, and this technique avoids vertebral artery damage and optimizes lateral mass screw purchase. We suggest that this is the preferred method of entry into the lateral mass of C1.

Distal Extension of the Direct Anterior Approach to the Hip: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Ghijselings, Stijn G M; Driesen, Ronald; Simon, Jean-Pierre; Corten, Kristoff

2017-01-01

The direct anterior approach (DAA) is becoming more popular as the standard surgical approach for primary total hip arthroplasty. However, femoral complications of up to 2.8% have been reported. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to understand the periarticular neurovascular anatomy in order to safely deal with intraoperative complications. Anatomic dissections were performed on 20 cadaveric hips. The neurovascular structures anterior to the femur and distal to the intertrochanteric line were dissected and its position was described in relation to anatomic landmarks easily identified through the DAA: anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), the insertion of the gluteus minimus (GM), and the lesser trochanter (LT). Two clearly distinguishable neurovascular bundles running to the vastus lateralis were seen in 17 of 20 specimens. The average distances to the landmarks were as follows: ASIS-1st bundle = 12.3 cm (range, 9.7-14.5); GM-1st bundle = 3.2 cm (range, 2.2-4); LT-1st bundle = 1.6 cm (range, 0.7-2.8); 1st bundle-2nd bundle = 3.3 cm (range, 1.8-6.1). A consistent pattern of 2 clearly distinguishable neurovascular bundles was seen in 85% of the specimens. Knowledge of the position of these neurovascular bundles in relation to the anatomic landmarks makes distal femoral extension of the DAA feasible. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety of the extensile anterior approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FRACTURE STRENGTH OF FLARED BOVINE ROOTS RESTORED WITH DIFFERENT INTRARADICULAR POSTS

PubMed Central

Clavijo, Victor Grover Rene; Reis, José Maurício dos Santos Nunes; Kabbach, William; Silva, André Luis Faria e; de Oliveira, Osmir Batista; de Andrade, Marcelo Ferrarezi

2009-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength and failure mode of flared bovine roots restored with different intraradicular posts. Material and Methods: Fifty bovine incisors with similar dimensions were selected and their roots were flared until 1.0 mm of dentin wall remained. Next, the roots were allocated into five groups (n=10): GI-cast metal post-and-core; GII-fiber posts plus accessory fiber posts; GIII- direct anatomic post; GIV- indirect anatomic post and GV- control (specimens without intraradicular post). A polyether impression material was used to simulate the periodontal ligament. After periodontal ligament simulation, the specimens were subjected to a compressive load at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min in a servo-hydraulic testing machine (MTS 810) applied at 135° to the long axis of the tooth until failure. The data (N) were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05). Results: GI and GIV presented higher fracture strength (p<0.05) than GII. GIII presented intermediate values without statistically significant differences (p>0.05) from GI, GII and GIV. Control specimens (GV) produced the lowest fracture strength mean values (p<0.05). Despite obtaining the highest mean value, GI presented 100% of unfavorable failures. GII presented 20% of unfavorable failures. GIII, GIV and GV presented only favorable failures. Conclusions: Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary, the results of this study showed that the use of direct and indirect anatomic posts in flared roots could be an alternative to cast metal post-and-core. PMID:20027429

Thyroid hormone and the central control of homeostasis.

PubMed

Warner, Amy; Mittag, Jens

2012-08-01

It has long been known that thyroid hormone has profound direct effects on metabolism and cardiovascular function. More recently, it was shown that the hormone also modulates these systems by actions on the central autonomic control. Recent studies that either manipulated thyroid hormone signalling in anatomical areas of the brain or analysed seasonal models with an endogenous fluctuation in hypothalamic thyroid hormone levels revealed that the hormone controls energy turnover. However, most of these studies did not progress beyond the level of anatomical nuclei; thus, the neuronal substrates as well as the molecular mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. This review summarises the evidence for a role of thyroid hormone in the central autonomic control of peripheral homeostasis and advocates novel strategies to address thyroid hormone action in the brain on a cellular level.

SEMANTIC DEMENTIA AND PERSISTING WERNICKE’S APHASIA: LINGUISTIC AND ANATOMICAL PROFILES

PubMed Central

Ogar, JM; Baldo, JV; Wilson, SM; Brambati, SM; Miller, BL; Dronkers, NF; Gorno-Tempini, ML

2011-01-01

Few studies have directly compared the clinical and anatomical characteristics of patients with progressive aphasia to those of patients with aphasia caused by stroke. In the current study we examined fluent forms of aphasia in these two groups, specifically the semantic dementia (SD) and persisting Wernicke's aphasia (WA) due to stroke. We compared 10 patients with SD to 10 age- and education-matched patients with WA in three language domains: language comprehension (single words and sentences), spontaneous speech and visual semantics. Neuroanatomical involvement was analyzed using disease-specific image analysis techniques: voxel-based morphometry (VBM) for patients with SD and overlays of lesion masks in patients with WA. Patients with SD and WA were both impaired on tasks that involved visual semantics, but patients with SD were less impaired in spontaneous speech and sentence comprehension. The anatomical findings showed that different regions were most affected in the two disorders: the left anterior temporal lobe in SD and the left posterior middle temporal gyrus in chronic WA. This study highlights that the two syndromes classically associated with language comprehension deficits in aphasia due to stroke and neurodegenerative disease are clinically distinct, most likely due to distinct distributions of damage in the temporal lobe. PMID:21315437

The oldest anatomically modern humans from far southeast Europe: direct dating, culture and behavior.

PubMed

Prat, Sandrine; Péan, Stéphane C; Crépin, Laurent; Drucker, Dorothée G; Puaud, Simon J; Valladas, Hélène; Lázničková-Galetová, Martina; van der Plicht, Johannes; Yanevich, Alexander

2011-01-01

Anatomically Modern Humans (AMHs) are known to have spread across Europe during the period coinciding with the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Whereas their dispersal into Western Europe is relatively well established, evidence of an early settlement of Eastern Europe by modern humans are comparatively scarce. Based on a multidisciplinary approach for the study of human and faunal remains, we describe here the oldest AMH remains from the extreme southeast Europe, in conjunction with their associated cultural and paleoecological background. We applied taxonomy, paleoecology, and taphonomy combined with geomorphology, stratigraphy, archeology and radiocarbon dating. More than 160 human bone remains have been discovered. They originate from a well documented Upper Paleolithic archeological layer (Gravettian cultural tradition) from the site of Buran-Kaya III located in Crimea (Ukraine). The combination of non-metric dental traits and the morphology of the occipital bones allow us to attribute the human remains to Anatomically Modern Humans. A set of human and faunal remains from this layer has been radiocarbon dated by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. The direct-dating results of human bone establish a secure presence of AMHs at 31,900+240/-220 BP in this region. They are the oldest direct evidence of the presence of AMHs in a well documented archeological context. Based on taphonomical observations (cut marks and distribution of skeletal elements), they represent the oldest Upper Paleolithic modern humans from Eastern Europe, showing post-mortem treatment of the dead as well. These findings are essential for the debate on the spread of modern humans in Europe during the Upper Paleolithic, as well as their cultural behaviors.

Determination of anatomic landmarks for optimal placement in captive-bolt euthanasia of goats.

PubMed

Plummer, Paul J; Shearer, Jan K; Kleinhenz, Katie E; Shearer, Leslie C

2018-03-01

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimal anatomic site and directional aim of a penetrating captive bolt (PCB) for euthanasia of goats. SAMPLE 8 skulls from horned and polled goat cadavers and 10 anesthetized horned and polled goats scheduled to be euthanized at the end of a teaching laboratory. PROCEDURES Sagittal sections of cadaver skulls from 8 horned and polled goats were used to determine the ideal anatomic site and aiming of a PCB to maximize damage to the midbrain region of the brainstem for euthanasia. Anatomic sites for ideal placement and directional aiming were confirmed by use of 10 anesthetized horned and polled goats. RESULTS Clinical observation and postmortem examination of the sagittal sections of skulls from the 10 anesthetized goats that were euthanized confirmed that perpendicular placement and firing of a PCB at the intersection of 2 lines, each drawn from the lateral canthus of 1 eye to the middle of the base of the opposite ear, resulted in consistent disruption of the midbrain and thalamus in all goats. Immediate cessation of breathing, followed by a loss of heartbeat in all 10 of the anesthetized goats, confirmed that use of this site consistently resulted in effective euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Damage to the brainstem and key adjacent structures may be accomplished by firing a PCB perpendicular to the skull over the anatomic site identified at the intersection of 2 lines, each drawn from the lateral canthus of 1 eye to the middle of the base of the opposite ear.

The multidirectional bending properties of the human lumbar intervertebral disc.

PubMed

Spenciner, David; Greene, David; Paiva, James; Palumbo, Mark; Crisco, Joseph

2006-01-01

While the biomechanical properties of the isolated intervertebral disc have been well studied in the three principal anatomic directions of flexion/extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending, there is little data on the properties in the more functional directions that are combinations of these principal anatomic directions. To determine the bending flexibility, range of motion (ROM), and neutral zone (NZ) of the human lumbar disc in multiple directions and to determine if the values about the combined moment axes can be predicted from the values about principal moment axes. Three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of the elastic bending properties of human lumbar discs about principal and combined moment axes. Pure, unconstrained moments were applied about multiple axes. The bending properties (flexibility, ROM, and NZ) of isolated lumbar discs (n=4 for L2/L3 and n=3 for L4/L5) were determined in the six principal directions and in 20 combined directions. The experimental values were compared with those predicted from the linear combination of the six principal moment axes. The maximum and minimum values of the biomechanical properties were found at the principal moment axes. Among combined moment axes, ROM and NZ (but not flexibility) values were predicted from the principal moment axis values. The principal moment axes coincide with the primary mechanical axes of the intervertebral disc and demonstrate significant differences in direction for values of flexibility, ROM, and NZ. Not all combined moment axis values can be predicted from principal moment axis values.

Morphometry and CT measurements of useful bony landmarks of skull base.

PubMed

Ray, Biswabina; Rajagopal, K V; Rajesh, T; Gayathri, B M V; D'Souza, A S; Swarnashri, J V; Saxena, Alok

2011-01-01

Aim of this study was to determine the distance between Henle's spine (HS) on the temporal bone to the clinically important bony landmarks on the dry skulls that will act as a guide in various surgical procedures on skull base. Distances from the head of malleus (HOM) to surgically relevant landmarks were also studied on CT images. Thirty-nine adult preserved dry skulls were studied bilaterally. The parapetrosal triangle bounded by spinopterygoidal, bispinal and the midsagittal lines was identified. The location of the HS and its distance from the various important anatomical structures were measured. In addition, five CT images, where distances from the HOM to various anatomical landmarks were measured. The mean and range of distances from the HS to various important anatomical landmarks on the spinopterygoidal line, bispinal line and in the parapetrosal triangle were tabulated. The mean and range of CT-based measurements of distances from HOM to other anatomical landmarks were also noted. The knowledge of unvarying relationship of the HS and the HOM to the various structures of the skull would assume significance while planning surgeries around the temporal bone by guiding the direction and degree of bone removal. Statistical differences between the two genders showed significant difference only in the distance between the HS to the medial margin of the external orifice of carotid canal. Therefore, these landmarks can also be applied as references for various surgeries of middle cranial fossa, as well as transpetrosal and transmastoid approaches.

Human body preservation - old and new techniques.

PubMed

Brenner, Erich

2014-03-01

This review deals with the art of (anatomical) embalming. The first part contains a brief historical review of the history of embalming, starting with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the lesser known Chinchorro culture, then going down the centuries and describing the anatomical techniques developed over the last two centuries. The second part deals in detail with the chemicals used for embalming purposes. The third part deals with several approaches to evaluating embalming methods, their suitability for biomechanical testing, antimicrobial properties, histological appearance, and usability. The fourth and final part analyze the European Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) in the light of embalming. © 2014 Anatomical Society.

The origin of downbeat nystagmus: an asymmetry in the distribution of on-directions of vertical gaze-velocity Purkinje cells.

PubMed

Marti, Sarah; Straumann, Dominik; Glasauer, Stefan

2005-04-01

Various hypotheses on the origin of cerebellar downbeat nystagmus (DBN) have been presented; the exact pathomechanism, however, is still not known. Based on previous anatomical and electrophysiological studies, we propose that an asymmetry in the distribution of on-directions of vertical gaze-velocity Purkinje cells leads to spontaneous upward ocular drift in cerebellar disease, and therefore, to DBN. Our hypothesis is supported by a computational model for vertical eye movements.

Anatomical nuances of the internal carotid artery in relation to the quadrangular space.

PubMed

Dolci, Ricardo L L; Ditzel Filho, Leo F S; Goulart, Carlos R; Upadhyay, Smita; Buohliqah, Lamia; Lazarini, Paulo R; Prevedello, Daniel M; Carrau, Ricardo L

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in relation to the quadrangular space (QS) and to propose a classification system based on the results. METHODS A total of 44 human cadaveric specimens were dissected endonasally under direct endoscopic visualization. During the dissection, the anatomical variations of the ICA and their relationship with the QS were noted. RESULTS The space between the paraclival ICAs (i.e., intercarotid space) can be classified as 1 of 3 different shapes (i.e., trapezoid, square, or hourglass) based on the trajectory of the ICAs. The ICA trajectories also directly influence the volumetric area of the QS. Based on its geometry, the QS was classified as one of the following: 1) Type A has the smallest QS area and is associated with a trapezoid intercarotid space, 2) Type B corresponds to the expected QS area (not minimized or enlarged) and is associated with a square intercarotid space, and 3) Type C has the largest QS area and is associated with an hourglass intercarotid space. CONCLUSIONS The different trajectories of the ICAs can modify the area of the QS and may be an essential parameter to consider for preoperative planning and defining the most appropriate corridor to reach Meckel's cave. In addition, ICA trajectories should be considered prior to surgery to avoid injuring the vessels.

3D Bioprinting of Heterogeneous Aortic Valve Conduits with Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogels

PubMed Central

Duan, Bin; Hockaday, Laura A.; Kang, Kevin H.; Butcher, Jonathan T.

2013-01-01

Heart valve disease is a serious and growing public health problem for which prosthetic replacement is most commonly indicated. Current prosthetic devices are inadequate for younger adults and growing children. Tissue engineered living aortic valve conduits have potential for remodeling, regeneration, and growth, but fabricating natural anatomical complexity with cellular heterogeneity remain challenging. In the current study, we implement 3D bioprinting to fabricate living alginate/gelatin hydrogel valve conduits with anatomical architecture and direct incorporation of dual cell types in a regionally constrained manner. Encapsulated aortic root sinus smooth muscle cells (SMC) and aortic valve leaflet interstitial cells (VIC) were viable within alginate/gelatin hydrogel discs over 7 days in culture. Acellular 3D printed hydrogels exhibited reduced modulus, ultimate strength, and peak strain reducing slightly over 7-day culture, while the tensile biomechanics of cell-laden hydrogels were maintained. Aortic valve conduits were successfully bioprinted with direct encapsulation of SMC in the valve root and VIC in the leaflets. Both cell types were viable (81.4±3.4% for SMC and 83.2±4.0% for VIC) within 3D printed tissues. Encapsulated SMC expressed elevated alpha-smooth muscle actin when printed in stiff matrix, while VIC expressed elevated vimentin in soft matrix. These results demonstrate that anatomically complex, heterogeneously encapsulated aortic valve hydrogel conduits can be fabricated with 3D bioprinting. PMID:23015540

Tendon healing in a bone tunnel. Part II: Histologic analysis after biodegradable interference fit fixation in a model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in sheep.

PubMed

Weiler, Andreas; Hoffmann, Reinhard F G; Bail, Hermann J; Rehm, Oliver; Südkamp, Norbert P

2002-02-01

Tendon-to-bone healing of soft-tissue grafts has been described to progress by the development of a fibrous interzone that undergoes a maturation process leading to the development of an indirect type of ligament insertion. Previous studies used extra-articular models or fixation far away from the joint line; thus, no data are available investigating tendon-to-bone healing of a soft-tissue graft fixed anatomically. Therefore, we studied the tendon-to-bone healing of the anatomic soft-tissue graft interference fit fixation in a model of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in sheep. Animal study. Thirty-five mature sheep underwent ACL reconstruction with an autologous Achilles tendon split graft. Grafts were directly fixed with biodegradable poly-(D,L-lactide) interference screws. Animals were euthanized after 6, 9, 12, 24, and 52 weeks and histologic evaluations were performed. Undecalcified specimens were evaluated under normal and polarized light. Additionally, animals received a polychrome sequential labeling (tetracycline, xylenol orange, and calcein green) to determine bone growth per time under fluorescent light. Intratunnel histologic findings at 6 weeks showed a tendon-bone junction with only a partial fibrous interzone between the graft tissue and the surrounding bone. A mature intratunnel tendon-bone junction with a zone of fibrocartilage was found at 9 to 12 weeks. At the tunnel entrance site a wide regular ligamentous insertion site was seen in all specimens after 24 weeks. This insertion showed regular patterns such as the direct type of insertion of a normal ligament with a dense basophilic transition zone consisting of mineralized cartilage. A fibrous interzone between the graft tissue and the bone tunnel was only partially developed, which is in contrast to all previous studies in which nonanatomic fixation was used. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the tendon-to-bone healing in the present study may progress partially by direct-contact healing without the development of a fibrous interzone. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the development of a direct type of ligament insertion after ACL replacement with a soft-tissue graft. This is in contrast to previous studies reporting the development of an indirect type of insertion when using nonanatomic fixation far away from the joint line. Thus, histologic data strongly indicate that anatomic interference fit fixation is beneficial for tendon-to-bone incorporation by leading to the development of a direct type of ligament insertion.

From Vesalius to virtual reality: How embodied cognition facilitates the visualization of anatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Susan

This study examines the facilitative effects of embodiment of a complex internal anatomical structure through three-dimensional ("3-D") interactivity in a virtual reality ("VR") program. Since Shepard and Metzler's influential 1971 study, it has been known that 3-D objects (e.g., multiple-armed cube or external body parts) are visually and motorically embodied in our minds. For example, people take longer to rotate mentally an image of their hand not only when there is a greater degree of rotation, but also when the images are presented in a manner incompatible with their natural body movement (Parsons, 1987a, 1994; Cooper & Shepard, 1975; Sekiyama, 1983). Such findings confirm the notion that our mental images and rotations of those images are in fact confined by the laws of physics and biomechanics, because we perceive, think and reason in an embodied fashion. With the advancement of new technologies, virtual reality programs for medical education now enable users to interact directly in a 3-D environment with internal anatomical structures. Given that such structures are not readily viewable to users and thus not previously susceptible to embodiment, coupled with the VR environment also affording all possible degrees of rotation, how people learn from these programs raises new questions. If we embody external anatomical parts we can see, such as our hands and feet, can we embody internal anatomical parts we cannot see? Does manipulating the anatomical part in virtual space facilitate the user's embodiment of that structure and therefore the ability to visualize the structure mentally? Medical students grouped in yoked-pairs were tasked with mastering the spatial configuration of an internal anatomical structure; only one group was allowed to manipulate the images of this anatomical structure in a 3-D VR environment, whereas the other group could only view the manipulation. The manipulation group outperformed the visual group, suggesting that the interactivity that took place among the manipulation group promoted visual and motoric embodiment, which in turn enhanced learning. Moreover, when accounting for spatial ability, it was found that manipulation benefits students with low spatial ability more than students with high spatial ability.

Clinical anatomy of the subserous layer: An amalgamation of gross and clinical anatomy.

PubMed

Yabuki, Yoshihiko

2016-05-01

The 1998 edition of Terminologia Anatomica introduced some currently used clinical anatomical terms for the pelvic connective tissue or subserous layer. These innovations persuaded the present author to consider a format in which the clinical anatomical terms could be reconciled with those of gross anatomy and incorporated into a single anatomical glossary without contradiction or ambiguity. Specific studies on the subserous layer were undertaken on 79 Japanese women who had undergone surgery for uterine cervical cancer, and on 26 female cadavers that were dissected, 17 being formalin-fixed and 9 fresh. The results were as follows: (a) the subserous layer could be segmentalized by surgical dissection in the perpendicular, horizontal and sagittal planes; (b) the segmentalized subserous layer corresponded to 12 cubes, or ligaments, of minimal dimension that enabled the pelvic organs to be extirpated; (c) each ligament had a three-dimensional (3D) structure comprising craniocaudal, mediolateral, and dorsoventral directions vis-á-vis the pelvic axis; (d) these 3D-structured ligaments were encoded morphologically in order of decreasing length; and (e) using these codes, all the surgical procedures for 19th century to present-day radical hysterectomy could be expressed symbolically. The establishment of clinical anatomical terms, represented symbolically through coding as demonstrated in this article, could provide common ground for amalgamating clinical anatomy with gross anatomy. Consequently, terms in clinical anatomy and gross anatomy could be reconciled and compiled into a single anatomical glossary. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Microscope against Cell Theory: Cancer Research in Nineteenth-Century Parisian Anatomical Pathology.

PubMed

Loison, Laurent

2016-07-01

This paper examines the reception of cell theory in the field of French anatomical pathology. This reception is studied under the lens of the concept of the cancer cell, which was developed in Paris in the 1840s. In the medical field, cell theory was quickly accessible, understood, and discussed. In the wake of research by Hermann Lebert, the cancer cell concept was supported by a wealth of high-quality microscopic observations. The concept was constructed in opposition to cell theory, which appears retrospectively paradoxical and surprising. Indeed, the biological atomism inherent in cell theory, according to which the cell is the elementary unit of all organs of living bodies, appeared at the time incompatible with the possible existence of pathological cells without equivalent in healthy tissues. Thus, the postulate of atomism was used as an argument by Parisian clinicians who denied the value of the cancer cell. This study shows that at least in the field of anatomical pathology, cell theory did not directly result from the use of the microscope but was actually hindered by it. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Gradual knowledge of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system].

PubMed

de Micheli Serra, Alfredo; Iturralde Torres, Pedro; Aranda Fraustro, Alberto

2013-01-01

The first anatomical lexicon was established in old Egypt, Alexandría by the priests who ritually offered all the parts of the human corpses to their gods. About 500 years b. C. studies of comparative anatomy began due to the physician Alcmeon of Croton, author of the text seriously starting the history of scientific pathology according to Laín Entralgo. It was only during the III century b. C. that dissections of human corpses began at the famous Alexandrian School of Medicine in Ptolemaic Egypt. During the Roman era and in high Middle Ages, physicians carried out anatomical studies in humans in order to dismiss or confirm poisoning suspicions or to extrapolate their flindings in animals (monkeys, pigs, etc) to humans. However, in low Middle Ages (XIV century), direct studies in human corpses were performed once again. These studies reached their pinnacle in the XVI century allowing the discovery of the lesser blood circulation and later of the greater blood circulation. The XVII century saw the coming of microscopic anatomy and the XVIII century witnessed the zenith of pathological anatomy. These studies developed during the following century into clinical-anatomical comparison. Today the help of technological studies is mandatory. Copyright © 2012 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

The Oldest Anatomically Modern Humans from Far Southeast Europe: Direct Dating, Culture and Behavior

PubMed Central

Prat, Sandrine; Péan, Stéphane C.; Crépin, Laurent; Drucker, Dorothée G.; Puaud, Simon J.; Valladas, Hélène; Lázničková-Galetová, Martina; van der Plicht, Johannes; Yanevich, Alexander

2011-01-01

Background Anatomically Modern Humans (AMHs) are known to have spread across Europe during the period coinciding with the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Whereas their dispersal into Western Europe is relatively well established, evidence of an early settlement of Eastern Europe by modern humans are comparatively scarce. Methodology/Principal Finding Based on a multidisciplinary approach for the study of human and faunal remains, we describe here the oldest AMH remains from the extreme southeast Europe, in conjunction with their associated cultural and paleoecological background. We applied taxonomy, paleoecology, and taphonomy combined with geomorphology, stratigraphy, archeology and radiocarbon dating. More than 160 human bone remains have been discovered. They originate from a well documented Upper Paleolithic archeological layer (Gravettian cultural tradition) from the site of Buran-Kaya III located in Crimea (Ukraine). The combination of non-metric dental traits and the morphology of the occipital bones allow us to attribute the human remains to Anatomically Modern Humans. A set of human and faunal remains from this layer has been radiocarbon dated by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. The direct-dating results of human bone establish a secure presence of AMHs at 31,900+240/−220 BP in this region. They are the oldest direct evidence of the presence of AMHs in a well documented archeological context. Based on taphonomical observations (cut marks and distribution of skeletal elements), they represent the oldest Upper Paleolithic modern humans from Eastern Europe, showing post-mortem treatment of the dead as well. Conclusion/Significance These findings are essential for the debate on the spread of modern humans in Europe during the Upper Paleolithic, as well as their cultural behaviors. PMID:21698105

Resting-State Functional Connectivity Emerges from Structurally and Dynamically Shaped Slow Linear Fluctuations

PubMed Central

Deco, Gustavo; Mantini, Dante; Romani, Gian Luca; Hagmann, Patric; Corbetta, Maurizio

2013-01-01

Brain fluctuations at rest are not random but are structured in spatial patterns of correlated activity across different brain areas. The question of how resting-state functional connectivity (FC) emerges from the brain's anatomical connections has motivated several experimental and computational studies to understand structure–function relationships. However, the mechanistic origin of resting state is obscured by large-scale models' complexity, and a close structure–function relation is still an open problem. Thus, a realistic but simple enough description of relevant brain dynamics is needed. Here, we derived a dynamic mean field model that consistently summarizes the realistic dynamics of a detailed spiking and conductance-based synaptic large-scale network, in which connectivity is constrained by diffusion imaging data from human subjects. The dynamic mean field approximates the ensemble dynamics, whose temporal evolution is dominated by the longest time scale of the system. With this reduction, we demonstrated that FC emerges as structured linear fluctuations around a stable low firing activity state close to destabilization. Moreover, the model can be further and crucially simplified into a set of motion equations for statistical moments, providing a direct analytical link between anatomical structure, neural network dynamics, and FC. Our study suggests that FC arises from noise propagation and dynamical slowing down of fluctuations in an anatomically constrained dynamical system. Altogether, the reduction from spiking models to statistical moments presented here provides a new framework to explicitly understand the building up of FC through neuronal dynamics underpinned by anatomical connections and to drive hypotheses in task-evoked studies and for clinical applications. PMID:23825427

Resting-state functional connectivity emerges from structurally and dynamically shaped slow linear fluctuations.

PubMed

Deco, Gustavo; Ponce-Alvarez, Adrián; Mantini, Dante; Romani, Gian Luca; Hagmann, Patric; Corbetta, Maurizio

2013-07-03

Brain fluctuations at rest are not random but are structured in spatial patterns of correlated activity across different brain areas. The question of how resting-state functional connectivity (FC) emerges from the brain's anatomical connections has motivated several experimental and computational studies to understand structure-function relationships. However, the mechanistic origin of resting state is obscured by large-scale models' complexity, and a close structure-function relation is still an open problem. Thus, a realistic but simple enough description of relevant brain dynamics is needed. Here, we derived a dynamic mean field model that consistently summarizes the realistic dynamics of a detailed spiking and conductance-based synaptic large-scale network, in which connectivity is constrained by diffusion imaging data from human subjects. The dynamic mean field approximates the ensemble dynamics, whose temporal evolution is dominated by the longest time scale of the system. With this reduction, we demonstrated that FC emerges as structured linear fluctuations around a stable low firing activity state close to destabilization. Moreover, the model can be further and crucially simplified into a set of motion equations for statistical moments, providing a direct analytical link between anatomical structure, neural network dynamics, and FC. Our study suggests that FC arises from noise propagation and dynamical slowing down of fluctuations in an anatomically constrained dynamical system. Altogether, the reduction from spiking models to statistical moments presented here provides a new framework to explicitly understand the building up of FC through neuronal dynamics underpinned by anatomical connections and to drive hypotheses in task-evoked studies and for clinical applications.

Semantic dementia and persisting Wernicke's aphasia: linguistic and anatomical profiles.

PubMed

Ogar, J M; Baldo, J V; Wilson, S M; Brambati, S M; Miller, B L; Dronkers, N F; Gorno-Tempini, M L

2011-04-01

Few studies have directly compared the clinical and anatomical characteristics of patients with progressive aphasia to those of patients with aphasia caused by stroke. In the current study we examined fluent forms of aphasia in these two groups, specifically semantic dementia (SD) and persisting Wernicke's aphasia (WA) due to stroke. We compared 10 patients with SD to 10 age- and education-matched patients with WA in three language domains: language comprehension (single words and sentences), spontaneous speech and visual semantics. Neuroanatomical involvement was analyzed using disease-specific image analysis techniques: voxel-based morphometry (VBM) for patients with SD and overlays of lesion digitized lesion reconstructions in patients with WA. Patients with SD and WA were both impaired on tasks that involved visual semantics, but patients with SD were less impaired in spontaneous speech and sentence comprehension. The anatomical findings showed that different regions were most affected in the two disorders: the left anterior temporal lobe in SD and the left posterior middle temporal gyrus in chronic WA. This study highlights that the two syndromes classically associated with language comprehension deficits in aphasia due to stroke and neurodegenerative disease are clinically distinct, most likely due to distinct distributions of damage in the temporal lobe. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Soft tissue graft interference fit fixation: observations on graft insertion site healing and tunnel remodeling 2 years after ACL reconstruction in sheep.

PubMed

Hunt, Patrick; Rehm, Oliver; Weiler, Andreas

2006-12-01

Using soft tissue grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, insertion site healing plays a crucial role in the long-term fate of the graft. It has been shown in an experimental animal study that using a soft tissue graft and anatomic graft fixation, a direct ligamentous insertion alike the native ACL developed 24 weeks postoperatively. Yet there are no reports on the long-term insertion site healing of anatomically fixed soft tissue grafts. The objective of this study was to evaluate graft insertion site healing, the intra-tunnel fate of the graft and its osseous replacement 2 years after ACL reconstruction in sheep. The left ACLs of six sheep were replaced by an autologous flexor tendon split graft and anatomically fixed with biodegradable poly-(D, L-lactide) interference screws. Animals received polychromic sequential labeling at different points in time to determine bone apposition per period. For evaluation of the insertion site healing and intra-tunnel changes, MRI scans were taken in vivo. Following sacrifice, radiographic imaging, conventional histology and fluorescence microscopy was undertaken. Most of the specimens showed a wide direct ligamentous insertion. It showed patterns alike the direct ligament insertion seen in intact ACLs. The intra-tunnel part of the graft had completely lost its tendon-like structure and in two cases, it was separated from the graft insertion by a thick bony layer. The biodegradable interference screw was fully degraded in all specimens. Ossification of the former drill tunnels was intense, showing only partial-length tunnel remnants in one femoral and three tibial specimens. As the graft heals to the joint surface and the aperture site is closed with soft tissue, mechanical stress of the intra-tunnel part of the graft is eliminated and the bone tunnel is protected from synovial fluid, resulting in osseous bridging of the tunnel aperture site, accelerated intra-tunnel graft resorption and its osseous replacement.

Directional constraint of endpoint force emerges from hindlimb anatomy.

PubMed

Bunderson, Nathan E; McKay, J Lucas; Ting, Lena H; Burkholder, Thomas J

2010-06-15

Postural control requires the coordination of force production at the limb endpoints to apply an appropriate force to the body. Subjected to horizontal plane perturbations, quadruped limbs stereotypically produce force constrained along a line that passes near the center of mass. This phenomenon, referred to as the force constraint strategy, may reflect mechanical constraints on the limb or body, a specific neural control strategy or an interaction among neural controls and mechanical constraints. We used a neuromuscular model of the cat hindlimb to test the hypothesis that the anatomical constraints restrict the mechanical action of individual muscles during stance and constrain the response to perturbations to a line independent of perturbation direction. In a linearized neuromuscular model of the cat hindlimb, muscle lengthening directions were highly conserved across 10,000 different muscle activation patterns, each of which produced an identical, stance-like endpoint force. These lengthening directions were closely aligned with the sagittal plane and reveal an anatomical structure for directionally constrained force responses. Each of the 10,000 activation patterns was predicted to produce stable stance based on Lyapunov stability analysis. In forward simulations of the nonlinear, seven degree of freedom model under the action of 200 random muscle activation patterns, displacement of the endpoint from its equilibrium position produced restoring forces, which were also biased toward the sagittal plane. The single exception was an activation pattern based on minimum muscle stress optimization, which produced destabilizing force responses in some perturbation directions. The sagittal force constraint increased during simulations as the system shifted from an inertial response during the acceleration phase to a viscoelastic response as peak velocity was obtained. These results qualitatively match similar experimental observations and suggest that the force constraint phenomenon may result from the anatomical arrangement of the limb.

Directional constraint of endpoint force emerges from hindlimb anatomy

PubMed Central

Bunderson, Nathan E.; McKay, J. Lucas; Ting, Lena H.; Burkholder, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

Postural control requires the coordination of force production at the limb endpoints to apply an appropriate force to the body. Subjected to horizontal plane perturbations, quadruped limbs stereotypically produce force constrained along a line that passes near the center of mass. This phenomenon, referred to as the force constraint strategy, may reflect mechanical constraints on the limb or body, a specific neural control strategy or an interaction among neural controls and mechanical constraints. We used a neuromuscular model of the cat hindlimb to test the hypothesis that the anatomical constraints restrict the mechanical action of individual muscles during stance and constrain the response to perturbations to a line independent of perturbation direction. In a linearized neuromuscular model of the cat hindlimb, muscle lengthening directions were highly conserved across 10,000 different muscle activation patterns, each of which produced an identical, stance-like endpoint force. These lengthening directions were closely aligned with the sagittal plane and reveal an anatomical structure for directionally constrained force responses. Each of the 10,000 activation patterns was predicted to produce stable stance based on Lyapunov stability analysis. In forward simulations of the nonlinear, seven degree of freedom model under the action of 200 random muscle activation patterns, displacement of the endpoint from its equilibrium position produced restoring forces, which were also biased toward the sagittal plane. The single exception was an activation pattern based on minimum muscle stress optimization, which produced destabilizing force responses in some perturbation directions. The sagittal force constraint increased during simulations as the system shifted from an inertial response during the acceleration phase to a viscoelastic response as peak velocity was obtained. These results qualitatively match similar experimental observations and suggest that the force constraint phenomenon may result from the anatomical arrangement of the limb. PMID:20511528

Does Learning in Clinical Context in Anatomical Sciences Improve Examination Results, Learning Motivation, or Learning Orientation?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Böckers, Anja; Mayer, Christian; Böckers, Tobias Maria

2014-01-01

The preclinical compulsory elective course "Ready for the Operating Room (OR)!?" [in German]: "Fit für den OP (FOP)"] was implemented for students in their second year, who were simultaneously enrolled in the gross anatomy course. The objective of the study was to determine whether the direct practical application of anatomical…

A broad survey of hydraulic and mechanical safety in the xylem of conifers

Treesearch

Pauline S. Bouche; Maximilien Larter; Jean-Christophe Domec; Regis Burlett; Peter Gasson; Steven Jansen; Sylvain Delzon

2014-01-01

Drought-induced forest dieback has been widely reported over the last decades, and the evidence for a direct causal link between survival and hydraulic failure (xylem cavitation) is now well known. Because vulnerability to cavitation is intimately linked to the anatomy of the xylem, the main objective of this study was to better understand the xylem anatomical...

[Neuro anatomical and neurological elements associated with the brain over the course of time].

PubMed

Duque-Parra, J E

This article gives a sequential vision of neuro anatomical concepts which have been considered to be relevant in the past, associating them with contemporary neurofunctional and neurological viewpoints. We start with the most ancient written records, concerning the brain at the time of the pharaohs, followed by the classical view of the Greek physicians and subsequent writers, through the phrenological period during which the relation between bony hypertrophy and cerebral function was emphasized as being suitable for the study of cerebral function at that time. Subsequent advances directed study of the nervous system towards recognition of the cells of the cerebral parenchyma, firstly through use of the optical microscope and later the electronic microscope, to make direct observations of the synapses with the vesicles of neurotransmitters. Thus reaching the present day and considering certain aspects of contemporary investigation in neuroscience, which bring structural and physiological aspects closer together. As a multi disciplinary science diverse elements have been combined so as to investigate and understand, using various tools and methods, the basic concepts described in relation to the structure and function of the nervous system, especially the brain.

A Role of Phase-Resetting in Coordinating Large Scale Neural Networks During Attention and Goal-Directed Behavior

PubMed Central

Voloh, Benjamin; Womelsdorf, Thilo

2016-01-01

Short periods of oscillatory activation are ubiquitous signatures of neural circuits. A broad range of studies documents not only their circuit origins, but also a fundamental role for oscillatory activity in coordinating information transfer during goal directed behavior. Recent studies suggest that resetting the phase of ongoing oscillatory activity to endogenous or exogenous cues facilitates coordinated information transfer within circuits and between distributed brain areas. Here, we review evidence that pinpoints phase resetting as a critical marker of dynamic state changes of functional networks. Phase resets: (1) set a “neural context” in terms of narrow band frequencies that uniquely characterizes the activated circuits; (2) impose coherent low frequency phases to which high frequency activations can synchronize, identifiable as cross-frequency correlations across large anatomical distances; (3) are critical for neural coding models that depend on phase, increasing the informational content of neural representations; and (4) likely originate from the dynamics of canonical E-I circuits that are anatomically ubiquitous. These multiple signatures of phase resets are directly linked to enhanced information transfer and behavioral success. We survey how phase resets re-organize oscillations in diverse task contexts, including sensory perception, attentional stimulus selection, cross-modal integration, Pavlovian conditioning, and spatial navigation. The evidence we consider suggests that phase-resets can drive changes in neural excitability, ensemble organization, functional networks, and ultimately, overt behavior. PMID:27013986

Techniques on semiautomatic segmentation using the Adobe Photoshop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jin Seo; Chung, Min Suk; Hwang, Sung Bae

2005-04-01

The purpose of this research is to enable anybody to semiautomatically segment the anatomical structures in the MRIs, CTs, and other medical images on the personal computer. The segmented images are used for making three-dimensional images, which are helpful in medical education and research. To achieve this purpose, the following trials were performed. The entire body of a volunteer was MR scanned to make 557 MRIs, which were transferred to a personal computer. On Adobe Photoshop, contours of 19 anatomical structures in the MRIs were semiautomatically drawn using MAGNETIC LASSO TOOL; successively, manually corrected using either LASSO TOOL or DIRECT SELECTION TOOL to make 557 segmented images. In a likewise manner, 11 anatomical structures in the 8,500 anatomcial images were segmented. Also, 12 brain and 10 heart anatomical structures in anatomical images were segmented. Proper segmentation was verified by making and examining the coronal, sagittal, and three-dimensional images from the segmented images. During semiautomatic segmentation on Adobe Photoshop, suitable algorithm could be used, the extent of automatization could be regulated, convenient user interface could be used, and software bugs rarely occurred. The techniques of semiautomatic segmentation using Adobe Photoshop are expected to be widely used for segmentation of the anatomical structures in various medical images.

Defining the safe working zones using the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach: an anatomical study.

PubMed

Uribe, Juan S; Arredondo, Nicolas; Dakwar, Elias; Vale, Fernando L

2010-08-01

The lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach is being increasingly employed to treat various spinal disorders. The minimally invasive blunt retroperitoneal and transpsoas dissection poses a risk of injury to major nervous structures. The addition of electrophysiological monitoring potentially decreases the risk of injury to the lumbar plexus. With respect to the use of the direct transpsoas approach, however, there is sparse knowledge regarding the relationship between the retroperitoneum/psoas muscle and the lumbar plexus at each lumbar segment. The authors undertook this anatomical cadaveric dissection study to define the anatomical safe zones relative to the disc spaces for prevention of nerve injuries during the lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. Twenty lumbar segments were dissected and studied. The relationship between the retroperitoneum, psoas muscle, and the lumbar plexus was analyzed. The area between the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body (VB) was divided into 4 equal zones. Radiopaque markers were placed in each disc space at the midpoint of Zone III (middle posterior quarter). At each segment, the psoas muscle, lumbar plexus, and nerve roots were dissected. The distribution of the lumbar plexus with reference to the markers at each lumbar segment was analyzed. All parts of the lumbar plexus, including nerve roots, were found within the substance of the psoas muscle dorsal to the posterior fourth of the VB (Zone IV). No Zone III marker was posterior to any part of the lumbar plexus with the exception of the genitofemoral nerve. The genitofemoral nerve travels obliquely in the substance of the psoas muscle from its origin to its innervations. It emerges superficially and anterior from the medial border of the psoas at the L3-4 level and courses along the anterior medial fourth of the L-4 and L-5 VBs (Zone I). The nerves of the plexus that originate at the upper lumbar segments emerge from the lateral border of the psoas major and cross obliquely into the retroperitoneum in front of the quadratus lumborum and the iliacus muscles to the iliac crest. With respect to prevention of direct nerve injury, the safe anatomical zones at the disc spaces from L1-2 to L3-4 are at the middle posterior quarter of the VB (midpoint of Zone III) and the safe anatomical zone at the L4-5 disc space is at the midpoint of the VB (Zone II-Zone III demarcation). There is risk of direct injury to the genitofemoral nerve in Zone II at the L2-3 space and in Zone I at the lower lumbar levels L3-4 and L4-5. There is also a potential risk of injury to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves in the retroperitoneal space where they travel obliquely, inferiorly, and anteriorly to the reach the iliac crest and the abdominal wall.

[Progress on Individual Stature Estimation in Forensic Medicine].

PubMed

Wu, Rong-qi; Huang, Li-na; Chen, Xin

2015-12-01

Individual stature estimation is one of the most important contents of forensic anthropology. Currently, it has been used that the regression equations established by the data collected by direct measurement or radiological techniques in a certain group of limbs, irregular bones, and anatomic landmarks. Due to the impact of population mobility, human physical improvement, racial and geographic differences, estimation of individual stature should be a regular study. This paper reviews the different methods of stature estimation, briefly describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and prospects a new research direction.

Pediatric laryngeal simulator using 3D printed models: A novel technique.

PubMed

Kavanagh, Katherine R; Cote, Valerie; Tsui, Yvonne; Kudernatsch, Simon; Peterson, Donald R; Valdez, Tulio A

2017-04-01

Simulation to acquire and test technical skills is an essential component of medical education and residency training in both surgical and nonsurgical specialties. High-quality simulation education relies on the availability, accessibility, and reliability of models. The objective of this work was to describe a practical pediatric laryngeal model for use in otolaryngology residency training. Ideally, this model would be low-cost, have tactile properties resembling human tissue, and be reliably reproducible. Pediatric laryngeal models were developed using two manufacturing methods: direct three-dimensional (3D) printing of anatomical models and casted anatomical models using 3D-printed molds. Polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) were used for the directly printed models, whereas a silicone elastomer (SE) was used for the casted models. The models were evaluated for anatomic quality, ease of manipulation, hardness, and cost of production. A tissue likeness scale was created to validate the simulation model. Fleiss' Kappa rating was performed to evaluate interrater agreement, and analysis of variance was performed to evaluate differences among the materials. The SE provided the most anatomically accurate models, with the tactile properties allowing for surgical manipulation of the larynx. Direct 3D printing was more cost-effective than the SE casting method but did not possess the material properties and tissue likeness necessary for surgical simulation. The SE models of the pediatric larynx created from a casting method demonstrated high quality anatomy, tactile properties comparable to human tissue, and easy manipulation with standard surgical instruments. Their use in a reliable, low-cost, accessible, modular simulation system provides a valuable training resource for otolaryngology residents. N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:E132-E137, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Anatomic observation of the running space of the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch in the same direction as the nerve.

PubMed

Tasaki, Atsushi; Nimura, Akimoto; Mochizuki, Tomoyuki; Yamaguchi, Kumiko; Kato, Ryuichi; Sugaya, Hiroyuki; Akita, Keiichi

2015-09-01

The configuration of suprascapular notch was previously analysed from the anteroposterior viewing. However, the approach direction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) to the inlet of the suprascapular notch is consistently craniocaudal and mediolateral. We propose a new method to observe the suprascapular notch according to the running course of the SSN. We reviewed the anatomic characteristics of the suprascapular notch in relation to the nerve. In 30 formalin-fixed cadaveric shoulders, the morphology of the suprascapular notch and the attachments of the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) were examined from both the anteroposterior and the nerve approach direction. The dimensions of the opening of the SSN passage were measured. By observing from the nerve approach direction, the inlet of the suprascapular notch was recognized to be a space-bordered by the medial wall of the coracoid process, the deep fascia of subscapularis, and the STSL. The STSL formed a sheet-like structure, which ran parallel to the nerve and also to the deep fascia of subscapularis. The attachment of the ligament to the coracoid process was located at the posteromedial corner rather than the medial side. Based on the present study, the space between the STSL and deep fascia of the subscapularis formed the space for the nerve to run through. As a clinical implication, this new method to assess the suprascapular notch in the nerve approach direction might develop the imaging techniques for evaluation of SSN entrapment.

Quantitative analysis of diffusion tensor orientation: theoretical framework.

PubMed

Wu, Yu-Chien; Field, Aaron S; Chung, Moo K; Badie, Benham; Alexander, Andrew L

2004-11-01

Diffusion-tensor MRI (DT-MRI) yields information about the magnitude, anisotropy, and orientation of water diffusion of brain tissues. Although white matter tractography and eigenvector color maps provide visually appealing displays of white matter tract organization, they do not easily lend themselves to quantitative and statistical analysis. In this study, a set of visual and quantitative tools for the investigation of tensor orientations in the human brain was developed. Visual tools included rose diagrams, which are spherical coordinate histograms of the major eigenvector directions, and 3D scatterplots of the major eigenvector angles. A scatter matrix of major eigenvector directions was used to describe the distribution of major eigenvectors in a defined anatomic region. A measure of eigenvector dispersion was developed to describe the degree of eigenvector coherence in the selected region. These tools were used to evaluate directional organization and the interhemispheric symmetry of DT-MRI data in five healthy human brains and two patients with infiltrative diseases of the white matter tracts. In normal anatomical white matter tracts, a high degree of directional coherence and interhemispheric symmetry was observed. The infiltrative diseases appeared to alter the eigenvector properties of affected white matter tracts, showing decreased eigenvector coherence and interhemispheric symmetry. This novel approach distills the rich, 3D information available from the diffusion tensor into a form that lends itself to quantitative analysis and statistical hypothesis testing. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A modeling framework for deriving the structural and functional architecture of a short-term memory microcircuit.

PubMed

Fisher, Dimitry; Olasagasti, Itsaso; Tank, David W; Aksay, Emre R F; Goldman, Mark S

2013-09-04

Although many studies have identified neural correlates of memory, relatively little is known about the circuit properties connecting single-neuron physiology to behavior. Here we developed a modeling framework to bridge this gap and identify circuit interactions capable of maintaining short-term memory. Unlike typical studies that construct a phenomenological model and test whether it reproduces select aspects of neuronal data, we directly fit the synaptic connectivity of an oculomotor memory circuit to a broad range of anatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral data. Simultaneous fits to all data, combined with sensitivity analyses, revealed complementary roles of synaptic and neuronal recruitment thresholds in providing the nonlinear interactions required to generate the observed circuit behavior. This work provides a methodology for identifying the cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying short-term memory and demonstrates how the anatomical structure of a circuit may belie its functional organization. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anatomic location and somatotopic arrangement of the corticospinal tract at the cerebral peduncle in the human brain.

PubMed

Kwon, H G; Hong, J H; Jang, S H

2011-12-01

Little is known about the detailed anatomic location and somatotopic arrangement at the CP. Using DTT with FSL tools, we conducted an investigation of the anatomic location and somatotopic arrangement of the CST at the CP in the human brain. We recruited 43 healthy volunteers for this study. DTI was obtained by using 1.5T, and CSTs for the hand and leg were obtained by using the FSL tool. The somatotopic location of the CST was evaluated as the highest probabilistic location at the upper and lower midbrain. The posterior boundary was determined as the line between the interpeduncular fossa and the lateral sulcus; we then drew a rectangle on the basis of the boundary of the CP. In the mediolateral direction, the highest probabilistic locations for the hand and leg were an average of 60.46% and 69.98% from the medial boundary at the upper midbrain level and 53.44% and 62.76% at the lower midbrain level, respectively. As for the anteroposterior direction, the highest probabilistic locations for the hand and leg were an average of 28.26% and 32.03% from the anterior boundary at the upper midbrain level and 30.19% and 33.59% at the lower midbrain level, respectively. We found that the hand somatotopy for the CST is located at the middle portion of the CP and the leg somatotopy is located lateral to the hand somatotopy.

Direct visualization of anatomic subfields within the superior aspect of the human lateral thalamus by MRI at 7T.

PubMed

Kanowski, M; Voges, J; Buentjen, L; Stadler, J; Heinze, H-J; Tempelmann, C

2014-09-01

The morphology of the human thalamus shows high interindividual variability. Therefore, direct visualization of landmarks within the thalamus is essential for an improved definition of electrode positions for deep brain stimulation. The aim of this study was to provide anatomic detail in the thalamus by using inversion recovery TSE imaging at 7T. The MR imaging protocol was optimized on 1 healthy subject to segment thalamic nuclei from one another. Final images, acquired with 0.5(2)-mm2 in-plane resolution and 3-mm section thickness, were compared with stereotactic brain atlases to assign visualized details to known anatomy. The robustness of the visualization of thalamic nuclei was assessed with 4 healthy subjects at lower image resolution. Thalamic subfields were successfully delineated in the dorsal aspect of the lateral thalamus. T1-weighting was essential. MR images had an appearance very similar to that of myelin-stained sections seen in brain atlases. Visualized intrathalamic structures were, among others, the lamella medialis, the external medullary lamina, the reticulatum thalami, the nucleus centre médian, the boundary between the nuclei dorso-oralis internus and externus, and the boundary between the nuclei dorso-oralis internus and zentrolateralis intermedius internus. Inversion recovery-prepared TSE imaging at 7T has a high potential to reveal fine anatomic detail in the thalamus, which may be helpful in enhancing the planning of stereotactic neurosurgery in the future. © 2014 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Flexible Ultrathin Endoscope Integrated with Irrigation Suction Apparatus for Assisting Microneurosurgery.

PubMed

Otani, Naoki; Morimoto, Yuji; Fujii, Kazuya; Toyooka, Terushige; Wada, Kojiro; Mori, Kentaro

2017-12-01

Endoscopy can observe the anatomical components in a deeply located and/or hidden area during neurosurgical procedures under the operating microscope. We have newly developed a flexible ultrathin endoscope integrated with irrigation suction apparatus (FUEISA) to visualize deeply located and/or hidden areas for assisting microneurosurgery. The present study investigated the usefulness of the FUEISA system for direct clipping surgery of cerebral aneurysms. Twenty-one patients underwent microneurosurgery assisted with the FUEISA system for direct clipping of cerebral aneurysms. The flexible ultrathin endoscope (outer diameter 0.75mm) consists of an image guide (6000 dpi) and a light guide, integrated with the irrigation suction apparatus. This endoscopic system was inserted before and after clipping to observe the anatomical conditions surrounding the lesions. In all cases, handling and operation of the FUEISA was technically successful during the surgical procedure. The ultrathin endoscope was adequately integrated with the irrigation suction apparatus in all cases. General anatomy visualization including the lenticulostriate arteries, medial striate arteries, and/or internal carotid artery perforators was possible, and the correct clip positioning and vessel conditions were easily checked. The endoscope revealed that the clip had been positioned incorrectly in one case. No complications associated with the endoscopic system occurred. The FUEISA system can be applied with safe manipulation, which was remarkably useful for confirmation of the presence of perforators and cranial nerves behind the lesions, particularly anatomical components located in deep and/or hidden areas during clipping of cerebral aneurysms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Integral Theory System Questionnaire: an anatomically directed questionnaire to determine pelvic floor dysfunctions in women.

PubMed

Wagenlehner, Florian Martin Erich; Fröhlich, Oliver; Bschleipfer, Thomas; Weidner, Wolfgang; Perletti, Gianpaolo

2014-06-01

Anatomical damage to pelvic floor structures may cause multiple symptoms. The Integral Theory System Questionnaire (ITSQ) is a holistic questionnaire that uses symptoms to help locate damage in specific connective tissue structures as a guide to reconstructive surgery. It is based on the integral theory, which states that pelvic floor symptoms and prolapse are both caused by lax suspensory ligaments. The aim of the present study was to psychometrically validate the ITSQ. Established psychometric properties including validity, reliability, and responsiveness were considered for evaluation. Criterion validity was assessed in a cohort of 110 women with pelvic floor dysfunctions by analyzing the correlation of questionnaire responses with objective clinical data. Test-retest was performed with questionnaires from 47 patients. Cronbach's alpha and "split-half" reliability coefficients were calculated for inner consistency analysis. Psychometric properties of ITSQ were comparable to the ones of previously validated Pelvic Floor Questionnaires. Face validity and content validity were approved by an expert group of the International Collaboration of Pelvic Floor surgeons. Convergent validity assessed using Bayesian method was at least as accurate as the expert assessment of anatomical defects. Objective data measurement in patients demonstrated significant correlations with ITSQ domains fulfilling criterion validity. Internal consistency values ranked from 0.85 to 0.89 in different scenarios. The ITSQ proofed accurate and is able to serve as a holistic Pelvic Floor Questionnaire directing symptoms to site-specific pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

Structural and functional integration between dorsal and ventral language streams as revealed by blunt dissection and direct electrical stimulation.

PubMed

Sarubbo, Silvio; De Benedictis, Alessandro; Merler, Stefano; Mandonnet, Emmanuel; Barbareschi, Mattia; Dallabona, Monica; Chioffi, Franco; Duffau, Hugues

2016-11-01

The most accepted framework of language processing includes a dorsal phonological and a ventral semantic pathway, connecting a wide network of distributed cortical hubs. However, the cortico-subcortical connectivity and the reciprocal anatomical relationships of this dual-stream system are not completely clarified. We performed an original blunt microdissection of 10 hemispheres with the exposition of locoregional short fibers and six long-range fascicles involved in language elaboration. Special attention was addressed to the analysis of termination sites and anatomical relationships between long- and short-range fascicles. We correlated these anatomical findings with a topographical analysis of 93 functional responses located at the terminal sites of the language bundles, collected by direct electrical stimulation in 108 right-handers. The locations of phonological and semantic paraphasias, verbal apraxia, speech arrest, pure anomia, and alexia were statistically analyzed, and the respective barycenters were computed in the MNI space. We found that terminations of main language bundles and functional responses have a wider distribution in respect to the classical definition of language territories. Our analysis showed that dorsal and ventral streams have a similar anatomical layer organization. These pathways are parallel and relatively segregated over their subcortical course while their terminal fibers are strictly overlapped at the cortical level. Finally, the anatomical features of the U-fibers suggested a role of locoregional integration between the phonological, semantic, and executive subnetworks of language, in particular within the inferoventral frontal lobe and the temporoparietal junction, which revealed to be the main criss-cross regions between the dorsal and ventral pathways. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3858-3872, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The direct connections of the C2 dorsal ganglion in the brain stem of the squirrel monkey: a preliminary investigation *

PubMed Central

Fitz-Ritson, Don E.

1979-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to observe the possible anatomical connections of C2 dorsal root with brain stem nuclei. Labelled amino acids (leucine, glycine, proline), were injected into the dorsal root of C2 of a squirrel monkey. The animal was allowed to survive for 20 hrs. and after, sections of the spinal cord and brain stem were subjected to autoradiographic methods. Direct connections were observed in Lamina II, VII, VIII of the spinal cord; the hypoglossal nucleus, medial vestibular nucleus, lateral cuneatus nucleus and lateral parvocellular reticular formation. Possible anatomical and physiological correlates are explored in relation to the importance of the upper cervical area and its control mechanisms.

Associations between musculoskeletal pain and work-related factors among public service sector computer workers in Kaunas County, Lithuania.

PubMed

Kaliniene, Gintare; Ustinaviciene, Ruta; Skemiene, Lina; Vaiciulis, Vidmantas; Vasilavicius, Paulius

2016-10-07

Information technologies in occupational activities have been developing very rapid. Epidemiological studies have shown that musculoskeletal disorders are widely prevalent among employees working with a computer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in various anatomical areas and its associations with individual, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors among computer workers of the public sector in Kaunas County, Lithuania. The investigation consisting of two parts - questionnaire study (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) and direct observation (evaluation of work ergonomics using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA]) - was carried out in three randomly selected public sector companies of Kaunas County. The representative study sample comprised 513 public service office workers. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in five anatomical areas of the body (shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, as well as upper and low back) was evaluated. The prevalence rates of shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper and low back pain were 50.5 %, 20.3 %, 26.3 %, 44.8 %, and 56.1 %, respectively. Individual factors such as gender, age, computer work experience, and body mass index were found as significant for musculoskeletal pain in various musculoskeletal regions. The respondents reporting pain in shoulder, wrist/hand, upper back, and low back areas had a statistically significantly higher mean RULA score. The duration of working with a computer was found as a significant factor for shoulder pain. High quantitative demands were related to musculoskeletal pain in all investigated anatomical areas expect for the low back; weak social support was a significant predictor for complaints in upper and low back areas. This study confirmed associations between musculoskeletal pain and work ergonomics; therefore, preventive measures at the workplace should be directed to the improvement in ergonomic work environment, education, and workload optimization.

Proposed catalog of the neuroanatomy and the stratified anatomy for the 361 acupuncture points of 14 channels.

PubMed

Chapple, Will

2013-10-01

In spite of the extensive research on acupuncture mechanisms, no comprehensive and systematic peer-reviewed reference list of the stratified anatomical and the neuroanatomical features of all 361 acupuncture points exists. This study creates a reference list of the neuroanatomy and the stratified anatomy for each of the 361 acupuncture points on the 14 classical channels and for 34 extra points. Each acupuncture point was individually assessed to relate the point's location to anatomical and neuroanatomical features. The design of the catalogue is intended to be useful for any style of acupuncture or Oriental medicine treatment modality. The stratified anatomy was divided into shallow, intermediate and deep insertion. A separate stratified anatomy was presented for different needle angles and directions. The following are identified for each point: additional specifications for point location, the stratified anatomy, motor innervation, cutaneous nerve and sensory innervation, dermatomes, Langer's lines, and somatotopic organization in the primary sensory and motor cortices. Acupuncture points for each muscle, dermatome and myotome are also reported. This reference list can aid clinicians, practitioners and researchers in furthering the understanding and accurate practice of acupuncture. Additional research on the anatomical variability around acupuncture points, the frequency of needle contact with an anatomical structure in a clinical setting, and conformational imaging should be done to verify this catalogue. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Morphological Variations in the Transverse Venous Sinus Anatomy of Dogs and its Relationship to Skull Landmarks.

PubMed

Carreira, L Miguel; Ferreira, A

2016-08-01

We characterized the anatomical morphology of the transverse venous sinus (TVS) of 69 canine adult cadavers belonging to three groups: brachycephalic (B), dolichocephalic (D) and mesaticephalic (M). In addition, we outlined its path over the skull using five classic human craniometric points (CPs): the asterion (ast), the bregma (b), the glabella (g), the stephanion (st) and the pterion (pt). The study aimed to establish anatomical differences in the TVS between groups and in the relationship between the TVS and skull. We found that TVS anatomy and its relationships to skull landmarks vary markedly between the groups, with similar anatomical arrangements in B and M. The TVS length can be ranked as M < B < D (with D being the biggest), whereas the width can be ranked as M < D < B (with B being the widest) with the right side being smaller than the left. In the B and M groups, the TVS assumes a craniocaudal trajectory that is closer to the lateral skull wall than in D, where the TVS presents a caudocranial direction. By documenting the morphological characteristics of the TVS, we can create a set of anatomical references allowing construction of a basic framework to greatly decrease the probability of TVS injury during neuronavigation procedures when supported by a good knowledge of the skull, brain anatomies and their relationships. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Validity and reliability of a structured-light 3D scanner and an ultrasound imaging system for measurements of facial skin thickness.

PubMed

Lee, Kang-Woo; Kim, Sang-Hwan; Gil, Young-Chun; Hu, Kyung-Seok; Kim, Hee-Jin

2017-10-01

Three-dimensional (3 D)-scanning-based morphological studies of the face are commonly included in various clinical procedures. This study evaluated validity and reliability of a 3 D scanning system by comparing the ultrasound (US) imaging system versus the direct measurement of facial skin. The facial skin thickness at 19 landmarks was measured using the three different methods in 10 embalmed adult Korean cadavers. Skin thickness was first measured using the ultrasound device, then 3 D scanning of the facial skin surface was performed. After the skin on the left half of face was gently dissected, deviating slightly right of the midline, to separate it from the subcutaneous layer, and the harvested facial skin's thickness was measured directly using neck calipers. The dissected specimen was then scanned again, then the scanned images of undissected and dissected faces were superimposed using Morpheus Plastic Solution (version 3.0) software. Finally, the facial skin thickness was calculated from the superimposed images. The ICC value for the correlations between the 3 D scanning system and direct measurement showed excellent reliability (0.849, 95% confidence interval = 0.799-0.887). Bland-Altman analysis showed a good level of agreement between the 3 D scanning system and direct measurement (bias = 0.49 ± 0.49 mm, mean±SD). These results demonstrate that the 3 D scanning system precisely reflects structural changes before and after skin dissection. Therefore, an in-depth morphological study using this 3 D scanning system could provide depth data about the main anatomical structures of face, thereby providing crucial anatomical knowledge for utilization in various clinical applications. Clin. Anat. 30:878-886, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estimating anatomical wrist joint motion with a robotic exoskeleton.

PubMed

Rose, Chad G; Kann, Claudia K; Deshpande, Ashish D; O'Malley, Marcia K

2017-07-01

Robotic exoskeletons can provide the high intensity, long duration targeted therapeutic interventions required for regaining motor function lost as a result of neurological injury. Quantitative measurements by exoskeletons have been proposed as measures of rehabilitative outcomes. Exoskeletons, in contrast to end effector designs, have the potential to provide a direct mapping between human and robot joints. This mapping rests on the assumption that anatomical axes and robot axes are aligned well, and that movement within the exoskeleton is negligible. These assumptions hold well for simple one degree-of-freedom joints, but may not be valid for multi-articular joints with unique musculoskeletal properties such as the wrist. This paper presents an experiment comparing robot joint kinematic measurements from an exoskeleton to anatomical joint angles measured with a motion capture system. Joint-space position measurements and task-space smoothness metrics were compared between the two measurement modalities. The experimental results quantify the error between joint-level position measurements, and show that exoskeleton kinematic measurements preserve smoothness characteristics found in anatomical measures of wrist movements.

Disconnection syndromes of basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebrocerebellar systems.

PubMed

Schmahmann, Jeremy D; Pandya, Deepak N

2008-09-01

Disconnection syndromes were originally conceptualized as a disruption of communication between different cerebral cortical areas. Two developments mandate a re-evaluation of this notion. First, we present a synopsis of our anatomical studies in monkey elucidating principles of organization of cerebral cortex. Efferent fibers emanate from every cortical area, and are directed with topographic precision via association fibers to ipsilateral cortical areas, commissural fibers to contralateral cerebral regions, striatal fibers to basal ganglia, and projection subcortical bundles to thalamus, brainstem and/or pontocerebellar system. We note that cortical areas can be defined by their patterns of subcortical and cortical connections. Second, we consider motor, cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with lesions restricted to basal ganglia, thalamus, or cerebellum, and recognize that these lesions mimic deficits resulting from cortical lesions, with qualitative differences between the manifestations of lesions in functionally related areas of cortical and subcortical nodes. We consider these findings on the basis of anatomical observations from tract tracing studies in monkey, viewing them as disconnection syndromes reflecting loss of the contribution of subcortical nodes to the distributed neural circuits. We introduce a new theoretical framework for the distributed neural circuits, based on general, and specific, principles of anatomical organization, and on the architecture of the nodes that comprise these systems. We propose that neural architecture determines function, i.e., each architectonically distinct cortical and subcortical area contributes a unique transform, or computation, to information processing; anatomically precise and segregated connections between nodes define behavior; and association fiber tracts that link cerebral cortical areas with each other enable the cross-modal integration required for evolved complex behaviors. This model enables the formulation and testing of future hypotheses in investigations using evolving magnetic resonance imaging techniques in humans, and in clinical studies in patients with cortical and subcortical lesions.

Automated anatomical labeling method for abdominal arteries extracted from 3D abdominal CT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Masahiro; Hoang, Bui Huy; Kitasaka, Takayuki; Misawa, Kazunari; Fujiwara, Michitaka; Mori, Kensaku

2012-02-01

This paper presents an automated anatomical labeling method of abdominal arteries. In abdominal surgery, understanding of blood vessel structure concerning with a target organ is very important. Branching pattern of blood vessels differs among individuals. It is required to develop a system that can assist understanding of a blood vessel structure and anatomical names of blood vessels of a patient. Previous anatomical labbeling methods for abdominal arteries deal with either of the upper or lower abdominal arteries. In this paper, we present an automated anatomical labeling method of both of the upper and lower abdominal arteries extracted from CT images. We obtain a tree structure of artery regions and calculate feature values for each branch. These feature values include the diameter, curvature, direction, and running vectors of a branch. Target arteries of this method are grouped based on branching conditions. The following processes are separately applied for each group. We compute candidate artery names by using classifiers that are trained to output artery names. A correction process of the candidate anatomical names based on the rule of majority is applied to determine final names. We applied the proposed method to 23 cases of 3D abdominal CT images. Experimental results showed that the proposed method is able to perform nomenclature of entire major abdominal arteries. The recall and the precision rates of labeling are 79.01% and 80.41%, respectively.

Arthroscopically Assisted Reconstruction of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations: Anatomic AC Ligament Reconstruction With Protective Internal Bracing—The “AC-RecoBridge” Technique

PubMed Central

Izadpanah, Kaywan; Jaeger, Martin; Ogon, Peter; Südkamp, Norbert P.; Maier, Dirk

2015-01-01

An arthroscopically assisted technique for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations is presented. This pathology-based procedure aims to achieve anatomic healing of both the acromioclavicular ligament complex (ACLC) and the coracoclavicular ligaments. First, the acromioclavicular joint is reduced anatomically under macroscopic and radiologic control and temporarily transfixed with a K-wire. A single-channel technique using 2 suture tapes provides secure coracoclavicular stabilization. The key step of the procedure consists of the anatomic repair of the ACLC (“AC-Reco”). Basically, we have observed 4 patterns of injury: clavicular-sided, acromial-sided, oblique, and midportion tears. Direct and/or transosseous ACLC repair is performed accordingly. Then, an X-configured acromioclavicular suture tape cerclage (“AC-Bridge”) is applied under arthroscopic assistance to limit horizontal clavicular translation to a physiological extent. The AC-Bridge follows the principle of internal bracing and protects healing of the ACLC repair. The AC-Bridge is tightened on top of the repair, creating an additional suture-bridge effect and promoting anatomic ACLC healing. We refer to this combined technique of anatomic ACLC repair and protective internal bracing as the “AC-RecoBridge.” A detailed stepwise description of the surgical technique, including indications, technical pearls and pitfalls, and potential complications, is given. PMID:26052493

High-resolution anatomic correlation of cyclic motor patterns in the human colon: Evidence of a rectosigmoid brake

PubMed Central

Lin, Anthony Y.; Du, Peng; Dinning, Philip G.; Arkwright, John W.; Kamp, Jozef P.; Cheng, Leo K.; Bissett, Ian P.

2017-01-01

Colonic cyclic motor patterns (CMPs) have been hypothesized to act as a brake to limit rectal filling. However, the spatiotemporal profile of CMPs, including anatomic origins and distributions, remains unclear. This study characterized colonic CMPs using high-resolution (HR) manometry (72 sensors, 1-cm resolution) and their relationship with proximal antegrade propagating events. Nine healthy volunteers were recruited. Recordings were performed over 4 h, with a 700-kcal meal given after 2 h. Propagating events were visually identified and analyzed by pattern, origin, amplitude, extent of propagation, velocity, and duration. Manometric data were normalized using anatomic landmarks identified on abdominal radiographs. These were mapped over a three-dimensional anatomic model. CMPs comprised a majority of detected propagating events. Most occurred postprandially and were retrograde propagating events (84.9 ± 26.0 retrograde vs. 14.3 ± 11.8 antegrade events/2 h, P = 0.004). The dominant sites of initiation for retrograde CMPs were in the rectosigmoid region, with patterns proximally propagating by a mean distance of 12.4 ± 0.3 cm. There were significant differences in the characteristics of CMPs depending on the direction of travel and site of initiation. Association analysis showed that proximal antegrade propagating events occurred independently of CMPs. This study accurately characterized CMPs with anatomic correlation. CMPs were unlikely to be triggered by proximal antegrade propagating events in our study context. However, the distal origin and prominence of retrograde CMPs could still act as a mechanism to limit rectal filling and support the theory of a “rectosigmoid brake.” NEW & NOTEWORTHY Retrograde cyclic motor patterns (CMPs) are the dominant motor patterns in a healthy prepared human colon. The major sites of initiation are in the rectosigmoid region, with retrograde propagation, supporting the idea of a “rectosigmoid brake.” A significant increase in the number of CMPs is seen after a meal. In our study context, the majority of CMPs occurred independent of proximal propagating events, suggesting that CMPs are primarily controlled by external innervation. PMID:28336544

[Embryology and "official science": the contribution of the anatomical school of José Escolar to embryology during the first Francoism (1939-1959)].

PubMed

Velasco Morgado, Raúl

2015-01-01

In this paper, we analyse the contribution of the anatomical school of José Escolar (1913-1998) to embryology during the first two decades of the Francoist dictatorship. Special attention is paid to the process by which the Spanish group, with the support of the new Superior National Research Council, made contact with the German morphology being developed by Hugo Spatz (1888-1979) at the Max Planck-Institut für Hirnforschung. Our study reveals the numerous influences that finally led to the anatomy and embryology of Escolar. In Spain, we found a direct influence of the Gegenbaurian morphology of Gumersindo Sánchez Guisande (1894-1976) and the neuroanatomy of Juan José Barcia Goyanes (1901-2003), full of references to studies by Braus. International contacts of the "Escolarian group", first with North America and then with Germany, created a homogeneous group with a single anatomy (functional and ontophylogenetic) but with so many research interests that subspecialisations had to be developed. An important embryological work resulted from an intense relationship with the German anatomical community during the 1950s. Escolar worked in this field on the development of the amygdala and allocortex, Fernando Reinoso studied the embryology of the diencephalon and Smith Victor Agreda, along with the German scientist Rudolf Diepen, made some important discoveries on the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Structure Shapes Dynamics and Directionality in Diverse Brain Networks: Mathematical Principles and Empirical Confirmation in Three Species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Joon-Young; Kim, Junhyeok; Ko, Tae-Wook; Kim, Minkyung; Iturria-Medina, Yasser; Choi, Jee-Hyun; Lee, Joseph; Mashour, George A.; Lee, Uncheol

2017-04-01

Identifying how spatially distributed information becomes integrated in the brain is essential to understanding higher cognitive functions. Previous computational and empirical studies suggest a significant influence of brain network structure on brain network function. However, there have been few analytical approaches to explain the role of network structure in shaping regional activities and directionality patterns. In this study, analytical methods are applied to a coupled oscillator model implemented in inhomogeneous networks. We first derive a mathematical principle that explains the emergence of directionality from the underlying brain network structure. We then apply the analytical methods to the anatomical brain networks of human, macaque, and mouse, successfully predicting simulation and empirical electroencephalographic data. The results demonstrate that the global directionality patterns in resting state brain networks can be predicted solely by their unique network structures. This study forms a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of how neural information is directed and integrated in complex brain networks.

Cognitive and anatomic double dissociation in the representation of concrete and abstract words in semantic variant and behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration.

PubMed

Cousins, Katheryn A Q; York, Collin; Bauer, Laura; Grossman, Murray

2016-04-01

We examine the anatomic basis for abstract and concrete lexical representations in semantic memory by assessing patients with focal neurodegenerative disease. Prior evidence from healthy adult studies suggests that there may be an anatomical dissociation between abstract and concrete representations: abstract words more strongly activate the left inferior frontal gyrus relative to concrete words, while concrete words more strongly activate left anterior-inferior temporal regions. However, this double dissociation has not been directly examined. We test this dissociation in two patient groups with focal cortical atrophy in each of these regions, the behavioral variant of Frontotemporal Degeneration (bvFTD) and the semantic variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia (svPPA). We administered an associativity judgment task for abstract and concrete words, where subjects select which of two words is best associated with a given target word. Both bvFTD and svPPA patients were significantly impaired in their overall performance compared to controls. While controls treated concrete and abstract words equally, we found a category-specific double dissociation in patients' judgments: bvFTD patients showed a concreteness effect (CE), with significantly worse performance for abstract compared to concrete words, while svPPA patients showed reversal of the CE, with significantly worse performance for concrete over abstract words. Regression analyses also revealed an anatomic double dissociation: The CE is associated with inferior frontal atrophy in bvFTD, while reversal of the CE is associated with left anterior-inferior temporal atrophy in svPPA. These results support a cognitive and anatomic model of semantic memory organization where abstract and concrete representations are supported by dissociable neuroanatomic substrates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Round and Oval Window Anatomic Variability: Its Implication for the Vibroplasty Technique.

PubMed

Mancheño, Marta; Aristegui, Miguel; Sañudo, Jose Ramon

2017-06-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the anatomical variability of round and oval window regions and its relationship with their closest structures, to determine its implication on the fitting and stabilization of the middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge. Variations of the anatomy of round and oval window regions were assessed in a total of 85 human dissected temporal bones. Afterward, we evaluated the adaptation and subsequent stabilization of the floating mass transducer (FMT) of the Vibrant Soundbridge in 67 cases in round window (RW) and in 22 cases in oval window (OW), and the influence that the variability of the different anatomical features examined had on this stabilization. We also assessed access and surgeon's view of the RW niche through the facial recess approach. Stabilization of the FMT in the RW was achieved in 53 (79%) of the 67 cases; we found that the less favorable anatomical conditions for stabilization were: membrane smaller than 1.5 mm, presence of a high jugular bulb and a narrow or very narrow RW niche. Frequently, two or more of these conditions happened simultaneously. In seven cases (22%) access to the RW through facial recess approach did not allow positioning the FMT in place. OW stabilization succeeded in 18 (82%) of the 22 cases. Round and oval window vibroplasty are difficult surgical techniques. To place the FMT directly on the OW may be easier as we do not have to drill the niche. In both regions there are some anatomical conditions that hinder fitting the FMT and even make it impossible. Once fitted, the main problem is to achieve good stabilization of the device.

Skeletal idiopathic osteosclerosis helps to perform personal identification of unknown decedents: A novel contribution from anatomical variants through CT scan.

PubMed

De Angelis, D; Gibelli, D; Palazzo, E; Sconfienza, L; Obertova, Z; Cattaneo, C

2016-07-01

Personal identification consists of the comparison of ante-mortem information from a missing person with post-mortem data obtained from an unidentified corpse. Such procedure is based on the assessment of individualizing features which may help in providing a conclusive identification between ante-mortem and post-mortem material. Anatomical variants may provide important clues to correctly identify human remains. Areas of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO), or dense bone islands (DBIs) characterized by radiopaque areas of dense, trabeculated, non-inflamed vital bone represent one of these, potentially individualizing, anatomical features. This study presents a case where the finding of DBI was crucial for a positive identification through CT-scan. A decomposed body was found in an apartment in June 2014 in advanced decomposition and no dental records were available to perform a comparison for positive identification. Genetic tests were not applicable because of the lack of relatives in a direct line. The analysis of the only ante-mortem documentation, a CT-scan to the deceased dating back to August 2009, showed the presence of three DBIs within the trabecular bone of the proximal portion of the right femur. The same bony district was removed from the corpse during the autopsy and analysed by CT-scan, which verified the presence of the same features. Forensic practitioners should therefore be aware of the great importance of anatomical bone variants, such as dense bone islands for identification purposes, and the importance of advanced radiological technique for addressing the individualizing potential of such variants. We propose that anatomical variants of the human skeleton should be considered as being "primary identification characteristics" similar to dental status, fingerprints and DNA. Copyright © 2016 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing the response to targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma: technical insights and practical considerations.

PubMed

Bex, Axel; Fournier, Laure; Lassau, Nathalie; Mulders, Peter; Nathan, Paul; Oyen, Wim J G; Powles, Thomas

2014-04-01

The introduction of targeted agents for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has resulted in new challenges for assessing response to therapy, and conventional response criteria using computed tomography (CT) are limited. It is widely recognised that targeted therapies may lead to significant necrosis without significant reduction in tumour size. In addition, the vascular effects of antiangiogenic therapy may occur long before there is any reduction in tumour size. To perform a systematic review of conventional and novel imaging methods for the assessment of response to targeted agents in RCC and to discuss their use from a clinical perspective. Relevant databases covering the period January 2006 to April 2013 were searched for studies reporting on the use of anatomic and functional imaging techniques to predict response to targeted therapy in RCC. Inclusion criteria were randomised trials, nonrandomised controlled studies, retrospective case series, and cohort studies. Reviews, animal and preclinical studies, case reports, and commentaries were excluded. A narrative synthesis of the evidence is presented. A total of 331 abstracts and 76 full-text articles were assessed; 34 studies met the inclusion criteria. Current methods of response assessment in RCC include anatomic methods--based on various criteria including Choi, size and attenuation CT, and morphology, attenuation, size, and structure--and functional techniques including dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) CT, DCE-magnetic resonance imaging, DCE-ultrasonography, positron emission tomography, and approaches utilising radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies. Functional imaging techniques are promising surrogate biomarkers of response in RCC and may be more appropriate than anatomic CT-based methods. By enabling quantification of tumour vascularisation, functional techniques can directly and rapidly detect the biologic effects of antiangiogenic therapies compared with the indirect detection of belated effects on tumour size by anatomic methods. However, larger prospective studies are needed to validate early results and standardise techniques. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Urology. All rights reserved.

Bilateral subclavian origin of the bronchial arteries combined with absence of other origins.

PubMed

Jie, Bing; Sun, Xi-Wen; Yu, Dong; Jiang, Sen

2014-08-01

There are numerous anatomical variations of the sites of origin of the bronchial arteries (BAs). A subclavian origin of a BA involves an aberrant artery that originates from the subclavian artery (SCA) or its branches. However, the aberrant artery usually originates directly from the SCA, and an SCA-origin BA arising from the branches of the SCA is rare. We herein present an extremely rare case of a right BA arising from the ipsilateral costocervical trunk, and a left BA arising from the ipsilateral thyrocervical trunk, in the absence of other origins of the BA. This anatomical variation was detected during pretherapeutic evaluation by multidetector-row computed tomography and confirmed by selective angiography. Recognition of these anatomic variations is important to surgical, diagnostic, and interventional radiologic procedures in the thorax.

The microbiome in prostate inflammation and prostate cancer.

PubMed

Porter, Corey M; Shrestha, Eva; Peiffer, Lauren B; Sfanos, Karen S

2018-05-23

The human microbiome may influence prostate cancer initiation and/or progression through both direct and indirect interactions. To date, the majority of studies have focused on direct interactions including the influence of prostate infections on prostate cancer risk and, more recently, on the composition of the urinary microbiome in relation to prostate cancer. Less well understood are indirect interactions of the microbiome with prostate cancer, such as the influence of the gastrointestinal or oral microbiota on pro- or anti-carcinogenic xenobiotic metabolism, and treatment response. We review the literature to date on direct and indirect interactions of the microbiome with prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Emerging studies indicate that the microbiome can influence prostate inflammation in relation to benign prostate conditions such as prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as in prostate cancer. We provide evidence that the human microbiome present at multiple anatomic sites (urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, etc.) may play an important role in prostate health and disease. In health, the microbiome encourages homeostasis and helps educate the immune system. In dysbiosis, a systemic inflammatory state may be induced, predisposing remote anatomical sites to disease, including cancer. The microbiome's ability to affect systemic hormone levels may also be important, particularly in a disease such as prostate cancer that is dually affected by estrogen and androgen levels. Due to the complexity of the potential interconnectedness between prostate cancer and the microbiome, it is vital to further explore and understand the relationships that are involved.

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging Strategies for Color Mapping of Human Brain Anatomy

PubMed Central

Boujraf, Saïd

2018-01-01

Background: A color mapping of fiber tract orientation using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be prominent in clinical practice. The goal of this paper is to perform a comparative study of visualized diffusion anisotropy in the human brain anatomical entities using three different color-mapping techniques based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and DTI. Methods: The first technique is based on calculating a color map from DWIs measured in three perpendicular directions. The second technique is based on eigenvalues derived from the diffusion tensor. The last technique is based on three eigenvectors corresponding to sorted eigenvalues derived from the diffusion tensor. All magnetic resonance imaging measurements were achieved using a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Vision whole body imaging system. A single-shot DW echoplanar imaging sequence used a Stejskal–Tanner approach. Trapezoidal diffusion gradients are used. The slice orientation was transverse. The basic measurement yielded a set of 13 images. Each series consists of a single image without diffusion weighting, besides two DWIs for each of the next six noncollinear magnetic field gradient directions. Results: The three types of color maps were calculated consequently using the DWI obtained and the DTI. Indeed, we established an excellent similarity between the image data in the color maps and the fiber directions of known anatomical structures (e.g., corpus callosum and gray matter). Conclusions: In the meantime, rotationally invariant quantities such as the eigenvectors of the diffusion tensor reflected better, the real orientation found in the studied tissue. PMID:29928631

Comparative evaluation between anatomic and non-anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction techniques in the ankle joint: A computational study.

PubMed

Purevsuren, Tserenchimed; Batbaatar, Myagmarbayar; Khuyagbaatar, Batbayar; Kim, Kyungsoo; Kim, Yoon Hyuk

2018-03-12

Biomechanical studies have indicated that the conventional non-anatomic reconstruction techniques for lateral ankle sprain (LAS) tend to restrict subtalar joint motion compared to intact ankle joints. Excessive restriction in subtalar motion may lead to chronic pain, functional difficulties, and development of osteoarthritis. Therefore, various anatomic surgical techniques to reconstruct both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments have been introduced. In this study, ankle joint stability was evaluated using multibody computational ankle joint model to assess two new anatomic reconstruction and three popular non-anatomic reconstruction techniques. An LAS injury, three popular non-anatomic reconstruction models (Watson-Jones, Evans, and Chrisman-Snook), and two common types of anatomic reconstruction models were developed based on the intact ankle model. The stability of ankle in both talocrural and subtalar joint were evaluated under anterior drawer test (150 N anterior force), inversion test (3 Nm inversion moment), internal rotational test (3 Nm internal rotation moment), and the combined loading test (9 Nm inversion and internal moment as well as 1800 N compressive force). Our overall results show that the two anatomic reconstruction techniques were superior to the non-anatomic reconstruction techniques in stabilizing both talocrural and subtalar joints. Restricted subtalar joint motion, which mainly observed in Watson-Jones and Chrisman-Snook techniques, was not shown in the anatomical reconstructions. Evans technique was beneficial for subtalar joint as it does not restrict subtalar motion, though Evans technique was insufficient for restoring talocrural joint inversion. The anatomical reconstruction techniques best recovered ankle stability.

The sensory-motor bridge neurorraphy: an anatomic study of feasibility between sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and deep branch of the radial nerve.

PubMed

Goubier, Jean-Noel; Teboul, Frédéric

2011-05-01

Restoring elbow flexion remains the first step in the management of total palsy of the brachial plexus. Non avulsed upper roots may be grafted on the musculocutaneous nerve. When this nerve is entirely grafted, some motor fibres regenerate within the sensory fibres quota. Aiming potential utilization of these lost motor fibres, we attempted suturing the sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve onto the deep branch of the radial nerve. The objective of our study was to assess the anatomic feasibility of such direct suturing of the terminal sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve onto the deep branch of the radial nerve. The study was carried out with 10 upper limbs from fresh cadavers. The sensory branch of the musculocutaneous muscle was dissected right to its division. The motor branch of the radial nerve was identified and dissected as proximally as possible into the radial nerve. Then, the distance separating the two nerves was measured so as to assess whether direct neurorraphy of the two branches was feasible. The excessive distance between the two branches averaged 6 mm (1-13 mm). Thus, direct neurorraphy of the sensory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and the deep branch of the radial nerve was possible. When the whole musculocutaneous nerve is grafted, some of its motor fibres are lost amongst the sensory fibres (cutaneous lateral antebrachial nerve). By suturing this sensory branch onto the deep branch of the radial nerve, "lost" fibres may be retrieved, resulting in restoration of digital extension. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Trabecular trajectory in the articular processes of the human fourth cervical vertebra

PubMed Central

HERRERA, M.; PANCHÓN, A.; PEREZ-BACETE, M.

2001-01-01

The articular processes (AP) of the neural arch have been implicated in weight transmission through the cervical spine. To analyse the mechanism of weight transmission in the AP, we studied the direction of forces within it, in particular, the pattern of trabecular trajectories. Twenty-two AP from C4 vertebrae were studied in anatomical sections, and corresponding photoelastic models from selected sections were constructed and analysed. Anatomical and photoelastic findings show the subarticular spongiosa of the superior articular process (SAP) to be orthogonally arranged with vertical and oblique trabeculae in the direction of compressive forces and additional trabeculae always oriented perpendicular to the former. Vertical and oblique trabeculae are divided into rostral, middle and posterior groups. Rostral and middle trabeculae end in the anterior wall of the SAP and the transitional zone with the pedicle. Posterior trabeculae end in the subarticular spongiosa of the inferior articular process (IAP). The findings relating to trabecular trajectories in the SAP differ from previous descriptions and instead suggest that a part of the weight forces distributed within the AP transmit to the subchondral zone of the IAP. Knowledge of the trajectorial architecture of the AP may contribute to refining finite element analytical models for investigating its weight-bearing function. PMID:11554512

The Paravascular Pathway for Brain Waste Clearance: Current Understanding, Significance and Controversy.

PubMed

Bacyinski, Andrew; Xu, Maosheng; Wang, Wei; Hu, Jiani

2017-01-01

The paravascular pathway, also known as the "glymphatic" pathway, is a recently described system for waste clearance in the brain. According to this model, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enters the paravascular spaces surrounding penetrating arteries of the brain, mixes with interstitial fluid (ISF) and solutes in the parenchyma, and exits along paravascular spaces of draining veins. Studies have shown that metabolic waste products and solutes, including proteins involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid-beta, may be cleared by this pathway. Consequently, a growing body of research has begun to explore the association between glymphatic dysfunction and various disease states. However, significant controversy exists in the literature regarding both the direction of waste clearance as well as the anatomical space in which the waste-fluid mixture is contained. Some studies have found no evidence of interstitial solute clearance along the paravascular space of veins. Rather, they demonstrate a perivascular pathway in which waste is cleared from the brain along an anatomically distinct perivascular space in a direction opposite to that of paravascular flow. Although possible explanations have been offered, none have been able to fully reconcile the discrepancies in the literature, and many questions remain. Given the therapeutic potential that a comprehensive understanding of brain waste clearance pathways might offer, further research and clarification is highly warranted.

Lower molar and incisor displacement associated with mandibular remodeling.

PubMed

Baumrind, S; Bravo, L A; Ben-Bassat, Y; Curry, S; Korn, E L

1997-01-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of alveolar modeling at the apices of the mandibular incisor and first molar specifically associated with appositional and resorptive changes on the lower border of the mandible during growth and treatment. Cephalometric data from superimpositions on anterior cranial base, mandibular implants of the Björk type, and anatomical "best fit" of mandibular border structures were integrated using a recently developed strategy, which is described. Data were available at annual intervals between 8.5 and 15.5 years for a previously described sample of approximately 30 children with implants. The average magnitudes of the changes at the root apices of the mandibular first molar and central incisor associated with modeling/remodeling of the mandibular border and symphysis were unexpectedly small. At the molar apex, mean values approximated zero in both anteroposterior and vertical directions. At the incisor apex, mean values approximated zero in the anteroposterior direction and averaged less than 0.15 mm/year in the vertical direction. Standard deviations were roughly equal for the molar and the incisor in both the anteroposterior and vertical directions. Dental displacement associated with surface modeling plays a smaller role in final tooth position in the mandible than in the maxilla. It may also be reasonably inferred that anatomical best-fit superimpositions made in the absence of implants give a more complete picture of hard tissue turnover in the mandible than they do in the maxilla.

Anatomical Distribution of Lipids in Human Brain Cortex by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veloso, Antonio; Astigarraga, Egoitz; Barreda-Gómez, Gabriel; Manuel, Iván; Ferrer, Isidro; Teresa Giralt, María; Ochoa, Begoña; Fresnedo, Olatz; Rodríguez-Puertas, Rafael; Fernández, José A.

2011-02-01

Molecular mass images of tissues will be biased if differences in the physicochemical properties of the microenvironment affect the intensity of the spectra. To address this issue, we have performed—by means of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry—imaging on slices and lipidomic analysis in extracts of frontal cortex, both from the same postmortem tissue samples of human brain. An external calibration was used to achieve a mass accuracy of 10 ppm (1 σ) in the spectra of the extracts, although the final assignment was based on a comparison with previously reported species. The spectra recorded directly from tissue slices (imaging) show excellent s/n ratios, almost comparable to those obtained from the extracts. In addition, they retain the information about the anatomical distribution of the molecular species present in autopsied frozen tissue. Further comparison between the spectra from lipid extracts devoid of proteins and those recorded directly from the tissue unambiguously show that the differences in lipid composition between gray and white matter observed in the mass images are not an artifact due to microenvironmental influences of each anatomical area on the signal intensity, but real variations in the lipid composition.

Threshold for ion movements in wood cell walls below fiber saturation observed by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zelinka, Samuel L.; Gleber, Sophie-Charlotte; Vogt, Stefan

Diffusion of chemicals and ions through the wood cell wall plays an important role in wood damage mechanisms. In the present work, free diffusion of ions through wood secondary walls and middle lamellae has been investigated as a function of moisture content (MC) and anatomical direction. Various ions (K, Cl, Zn, Cu) were injected into selected regions of 2 mu m thick wood sections with a microinjector and then the ion distribution was mapped by means of X-ray fluorescence microscopy with submicron spatial resolution. The MC of the wood was controlled in situ by means of climatic chamber with controlledmore » relative humidity (RH). For all ions investigated, there was a threshold RH below which the concentration profiles did not change. The threshold RH depended upon ionic species, cell wall layer, and wood anatomical orientation. Above the threshold RH, differences in mobility among ions were observed and the mobility depended upon anatomical direction and cell wall layer. These observations support a recently proposed percolation model of electrical conduction in wood. The results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of fungal decay and fastener corrosion that occur below the fiber saturation point.« less

Atlas warping for brain morphometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machado, Alexei M. C.; Gee, James C.

1998-06-01

In this work, we describe an automated approach to morphometry based on spatial normalizations of the data, and demonstrate its application to the analysis of gender differences in the human corpus callosum. The purpose is to describe a population by a reduced and representative set of variables, from which a prior model can be constructed. Our approach is rooted in the assumption that individual anatomies can be considered as quantitative variations on a common underlying qualitative plane. We can therefore imagine that a given individual's anatomy is a warped version of some referential anatomy, also known as an atlas. The spatial warps which transform a labeled atlas into anatomic alignment with a population yield immediate knowledge about organ size and shape in the group. Furthermore, variation within the set of spatial warps is directly related to the anatomic variation among the subjects. Specifically, the shape statistics--mean and variance of the mappings--for the population can be calculated in a special basis, and an eigendecomposition of the variance performed to identify the most significant modes of shape variation. The results obtained with the corpus callosum study confirm the existence of substantial anatomical differences between males and females, as reported in previous experimental work.

An Elaborate Data Set Characterizing the Mechanical Response of the Foot

PubMed Central

Erdemir, Ahmet; Sirimamilla, Pavana A.; Halloran, Jason P.; van den Bogert, Antonie J.

2010-01-01

Background Mechanical properties of the foot are responsible for its normal function and play a role in various clinical problems. Specifically, we are interested in quantification of foot mechanical properties to assist the development of computational models for movement analysis and detailed simulations of tissue deformation. Current available data are specific to a foot region and the loading scenarios are limited to a single direction. A data set that incorporates regional response, to quantify individual function of foot components, as well as overall response, to illustrate their combined operation, does not exist. Furthermore, combined three-dimensional loading scenarios while measuring the complete three-dimensional deformation response are lacking. When combined with an anatomical image data set, development of anatomically realistic and mechanically validated models becomes possible. Therefore, the goal of this study was to record and disseminate the mechanical response of a foot specimen, supported by imaging data. Method of Approach Robotic testing was conducted at the rear foot, forefoot, metatarsal heads, and the foot as a whole. Complex foot deformations were induced by single mode loading, e.g. compression, and combined loading, e.g. compression and shear. Small and large indenters were used for heel and metatarsal head loading; an elevated platform was utilized to isolate the rear foot and forefoot; and a full platform compressed the whole foot. Three-dimensional tool movements and reaction loads were recorded simultaneously. Computed tomography scans of the same specimen were collected for anatomical reconstruction a-priori. Results Three-dimensional mechanical response of the specimen was nonlinear and viscoelastic. A low stiffness region was observed starting with contact between the tool and foot regions, increasing with loading. Loading and unloading response portrayed hysteresis. Loading range ensured capturing the toe and linear regions of the load deformation curves for the dominant loading direction, with the rates approximating those of walking. Conclusion A large data set was successfully obtained to characterize the overall as well as regional mechanical response of an intact foot specimen under single and combined loads. Medical imaging complemented the mechanical testing data to establish the potential relationship between the anatomical architecture and mechanical response, and for further development of foot models that are mechanically realistic and anatomically consistent. This combined data set has been documented and disseminated in the public domain to promote future development in foot biomechanics. PMID:19725699

New Clinically Feasible 3T MRI Protocol to Discriminate Internal Brain Stem Anatomy.

PubMed

Hoch, M J; Chung, S; Ben-Eliezer, N; Bruno, M T; Fatterpekar, G M; Shepherd, T M

2016-06-01

Two new 3T MR imaging contrast methods, track density imaging and echo modulation curve T2 mapping, were combined with simultaneous multisection acquisition to reveal exquisite anatomic detail at 7 canonical levels of the brain stem. Compared with conventional MR imaging contrasts, many individual brain stem tracts and nuclear groups were directly visualized for the first time at 3T. This new approach is clinically practical and feasible (total scan time = 20 minutes), allowing better brain stem anatomic localization and characterization. © 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

What is dorso-lateral in the subthalamic Nucleus (STN)?--a topographic and anatomical consideration on the ambiguous description of today's primary target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.

PubMed

Coenen, Volker A; Prescher, Andreas; Schmidt, Thorsten; Picozzi, Piero; Gielen, Frans L H

2008-11-01

The most frequently used target for DBS in advanced Parkinson Disease (PD) is the sensorimotor subthalamic nucleus (STN), anatomically referred to as dorso-lateral STN [3]. Ambiguities arise, regarding the true meaning of this description in the STN. Does "dorsal" indicate posterior or superior? At its best, this definition assigns two directions in space to a three-dimensional structure. This paper evaluates the ambiguity and describes the sensorimotor part of the STN in stereotactic space.

Brain structures in the sciences and humanities.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Hikaru; Taki, Yasuyuki; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Nouchi, Rui; Kotozaki, Yuka; Nakagawa, Seishu; Miyauchi, Carlos Makoto; Iizuka, Kunio; Yokoyama, Ryoichi; Shinada, Takamitsu; Yamamoto, Yuki; Hanawa, Sugiko; Araki, Tsuyoshi; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Sassa, Yuko; Kawashima, Ryuta

2015-11-01

The areas of academic interest (sciences or humanities) and area of study have been known to be associated with a number of factors associated with autistic traits. However, despite the vast amount of literature on the psychological and physiological characteristics associated with faculty membership, brain structural characteristics associated with faculty membership have never been investigated directly. In this study, we used voxel-based morphometry to investigate differences in regional gray matter volume (rGMV)/regional white matter volume (rWMV) between science and humanities students to test our hypotheses that brain structures previously robustly shown to be altered in autistic subjects are related to differences in faculty membership. We examined 312 science students (225 males and 87 females) and 179 humanities students (105 males and 74 females). Whole-brain analyses of covariance revealed that after controlling for age, sex, and total intracranial volume, the science students had significantly larger rGMV in an anatomical cluster around the medial prefrontal cortex and the frontopolar area, whereas the humanities students had significantly larger rWMV in an anatomical cluster mainly concentrated around the right hippocampus. These anatomical structures have been linked to autism in previous studies and may mediate cognitive functions that characterize differences in faculty membership. The present results may support the ideas that autistic traits and characteristics of the science students compared with the humanities students share certain characteristics from neuroimaging perspectives. This study improves our understanding of differences in faculty membership which is the link among cognition, biological factors, disorders, and education (academia).

Extraction of the human cerebral ventricular system from MRI: inclusion of anatomical knowledge and clinical perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, Aamer; Hu, Qingmao; Nowinski, Wieslaw L.

2004-04-01

The human cerebral ventricular system is a complex structure that is essential for the well being and changes in which reflect disease. It is clinically imperative that the ventricular system be studied in details. For this reason computer assisted algorithms are essential to be developed. We have developed a novel (patent pending) and robust anatomical knowledge-driven algorithm for automatic extraction of the cerebral ventricular system from MRI. The algorithm is not only unique in its image processing aspect but also incorporates knowledge of neuroanatomy, radiological properties, and variability of the ventricular system. The ventricular system is divided into six 3D regions based on the anatomy and its variability. Within each ventricular region a 2D region of interest (ROI) is defined and is then further subdivided into sub-regions. Various strict conditions that detect and prevent leakage into the extra-ventricular space are specified for each sub-region based on anatomical knowledge. Each ROI is processed to calculate its local statistics, local intensity ranges of cerebrospinal fluid and grey and white matters, set a seed point within the ROI, grow region directionally in 3D, check anti-leakage conditions and correct growing if leakage occurs and connects all unconnected regions grown by relaxing growing conditions. The algorithm was tested qualitatively and quantitatively on normal and pathological MRI cases and worked well. In this paper we discuss in more detail inclusion of anatomical knowledge in the algorithm and usefulness of our approach from clinical perspective.

Interlead distance and left ventricular lead electrical delay predict reverse remodeling during cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PubMed

Merchant, Faisal M; Heist, E Kevin; Nandigam, K Veena; Mulligan, Lawrence J; Blendea, Dan; Riedl, Lindsay; McCarty, David; Orencole, Mary; Picard, Michael H; Ruskin, Jeremy N; Singh, Jagmeet P

2010-05-01

Both anatomic interlead separation and left ventricle lead electrical delay (LVLED) have been associated with outcomes following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, the relationship between interlead distance and electrical delay in predicting CRT outcomes has not been defined. We studied 61 consecutive patients undergoing CRT for standard clinical indications. All patients underwent intraprocedural measurement of LVLED. Interlead distances in the horizontal (HD), vertical (VD), and direct (DD) dimensions were measured from postprocedure chest radiographs (CXR). Remodeling indices [percent change in left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction, end-diastolic, end-systolic dimensions] were assessed by transthoracic echocardiogram. There was a positive correlation between corrected LVLED and HD on lateral CXR (r = 0.361, P = 0.004) and a negative correlation between LVLED and VD on posteroanterior (PA) CXR (r =-0.281, P = 0.028). To account for this inverse relationship, we developed a composite anatomic distance (defined as: lateral HD-PA VD), which correlated most closely with LVLED (r = 0.404, P = 0.001). Follow-up was available for 48 patients. At a mean of 4.1 +/- 3.2 months, patients with optimal values for both corrected LVLED (>or=75%) and composite anatomic distance (>or=15 cm) demonstrated greater reverse LV remodeling than patients with either one or neither of these optimized values. We identified a significant correlation between LV-right ventricular interlead distance and LVLED; additionally, both parameters act synergistically in predicting LV anatomic reverse remodeling. Efforts to optimize both interlead distance and electrical delay may improve CRT outcomes.

Head-Directional Tuning and Theta Modulation of Anatomically Identified Neurons in the Presubiculum.

PubMed

Tukker, John J; Tang, Qiusong; Burgalossi, Andrea; Brecht, Michael

2015-11-18

The presubiculum provides a major input to the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) and contains cells that encode for the animal's head direction (HD), as well as other cells likely to be important for navigation and memory, including grid cells. To understand the mechanisms underlying HD cell firing and its effects on other parts of the circuit, it is important to determine the anatomical identity of these functionally defined cells. Therefore, we juxtacellularly recorded single cells in the presubiculum in freely moving rats, finding two classes of cells based on firing patterns and juxtacellular labeling (of a subset). Regular-firing cells had the anatomical characteristics of pyramidal cells and included most recorded HD cells. Therefore, HD cells are likely to be excitatory pyramidal cells. For one HD cell, we could follow an axon projecting directly to the MEC. Fast-spiking (FS) cells had the anatomical characteristics of interneurons and displayed weak HD tuning. Furthermore, FS cells displayed a surprising lack of theta-rhythmic firing, in strong contrast to the FS cells that we recorded in the MEC. Overall, we show that HD cells in the presubiculum are pyramidal cells, with FS interneurons only showing weak HD tuning; therefore, MEC may receive an excitatory HD input, as previously assumed by many models. The lack of theta rhythmicity in FS interneurons suggests that different mechanisms may underlie theta in different parts of the hippocampal formation. In freely moving rats, we recorded and labeled single neurons in the presubiculum, an area providing one of the major inputs to the medial entorhinal cortex and part of a network involved in spatial navigation and memory. Post hoc identification of labeled cells showed that (fast-spiking, FS) interneurons and pyramidal cells in the presubiculum can be distinguished based on physiological criteria. We found that both moderately and strongly tuned head-direction (HD) cells are pyramidal cells and therefore likely to provide an excitatory HD input to the entorhinal cortex. FS interneurons were weakly head directional and, surprisingly, showed no theta-rhythmic firing. Therefore, the presubiculum appears to encode HD information via excitatory pyramidal cells, possibly also involving FS interneurons, without using a theta-rhythmic temporal code. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3515391-05$15.00/0.

Meckel's cave access: anatomic study comparing the endoscopic transantral and endonasal approaches.

PubMed

Van Rompaey, Jason; Suruliraj, Anand; Carrau, Ricardo; Panizza, Benedict; Solares, C Arturo

2014-04-01

Recent advances in endonasal endoscopy have facilitated the surgical access to the lateral skull base including areas such as Meckel's cave. This approach has been well documented, however, few studies have outlined transantral specific access to Meckel's. A transantral approach provides a direct pathway to this region obviating the need for extensive endonasal and transsphenoidal resection. Our aim in this study is to compare the anatomical perspectives obtained in endonasal and transantral approaches. We prepared 14 cadaveric specimens with intravascular injections of colored latex. Eight cadavers underwent endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approaches to Meckel's cave. Six additional specimens underwent an endoscopic transantral approach to the same region. Photographic evidence was obtained for review. 30 CT scans were analyzed to measure comparative distances to Meckel's cave for both approaches. The endoscopic approaches provided a direct access to the anterior and inferior portions of Meckel's cave. However, the transantral approach required shorter instrumentation, and did not require clearing of the endonasal corridor. This approach gave an anterior view of Meckel's cave making posterior dissection more difficult. A transantral approach to Meckel's cave provides access similar to the endonasal approach with minimal invasiveness. Some of the morbidity associated with extensive endonasal resection could possibly be avoided. Better understanding of the complex skull base anatomy, from different perspectives, helps to improve current endoscopic skull base surgery and to develop new alternatives, consequently, leading to improvements in safety and efficacy.

Stable functional networks exhibit consistent timing in the human brain.

PubMed

Chapeton, Julio I; Inati, Sara K; Zaghloul, Kareem A

2017-03-01

Despite many advances in the study of large-scale human functional networks, the question of timing, stability, and direction of communication between cortical regions has not been fully addressed. At the cellular level, neuronal communication occurs through axons and dendrites, and the time required for such communication is well defined and preserved. At larger spatial scales, however, the relationship between timing, direction, and communication between brain regions is less clear. Here, we use a measure of effective connectivity to identify connections between brain regions that exhibit communication with consistent timing. We hypothesized that if two brain regions are communicating, then knowledge of the activity in one region should allow an external observer to better predict activity in the other region, and that such communication involves a consistent time delay. We examine this question using intracranial electroencephalography captured from nine human participants with medically refractory epilepsy. We use a coupling measure based on time-lagged mutual information to identify effective connections between brain regions that exhibit a statistically significant increase in average mutual information at a consistent time delay. These identified connections result in sparse, directed functional networks that are stable over minutes, hours, and days. Notably, the time delays associated with these connections are also highly preserved over multiple time scales. We characterize the anatomic locations of these connections, and find that the propagation of activity exhibits a preferred posterior to anterior temporal lobe direction, consistent across participants. Moreover, networks constructed from connections that reliably exhibit consistent timing between anatomic regions demonstrate features of a small-world architecture, with many reliable connections between anatomically neighbouring regions and few long range connections. Together, our results demonstrate that cortical regions exhibit functional relationships with well-defined and consistent timing, and the stability of these relationships over multiple time scales suggests that these stable pathways may be reliably and repeatedly used for large-scale cortical communication. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the United States.

A Bayesian approach to the creation of a study-customized neonatal brain atlas

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yajing; Chang, Linda; Ceritoglu, Can; Skranes, Jon; Ernst, Thomas; Mori, Susumu; Miller, Michael I.; Oishi, Kenichi

2014-01-01

Atlas-based image analysis (ABA), in which an anatomical “parcellation map” is used for parcel-by-parcel image quantification, is widely used to analyze anatomical and functional changes related to brain development, aging, and various diseases. The parcellation maps are often created based on common MRI templates, which allow users to transform the template to target images, or vice versa, to perform parcel-by-parcel statistics, and report the scientific findings based on common anatomical parcels. The use of a study-specific template, which represents the anatomical features of the study population better than common templates, is preferable for accurate anatomical labeling; however, the creation of a parcellation map for a study-specific template is extremely labor intensive, and the definitions of anatomical boundaries are not necessarily compatible with those of the common template. In this study, we employed a Volume-based Template Estimation (VTE) method to create a neonatal brain template customized to a study population, while keeping the anatomical parcellation identical to that of a common MRI atlas. The VTE was used to morph the standardized parcellation map of the JHU-neonate-SS atlas to capture the anatomical features of a study population. The resultant “study-customized” T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) template, with three-dimensional anatomical parcellation that defined 122 brain regions, was compared with the JHU-neonate-SS atlas, in terms of the registration accuracy. A pronounced increase in the accuracy of cortical parcellation and superior tensor alignment were observed when the customized template was used. With the customized atlas-based analysis, the fractional anisotropy (FA) detected closely approximated the manual measurements. This tool provides a solution for achieving normalization-based measurements with increased accuracy, while reporting scientific findings in a consistent framework. PMID:25026155

The potential for machine learning algorithms to improve and reduce the cost of 3-dimensional printing for surgical planning.

PubMed

Huff, Trevor J; Ludwig, Parker E; Zuniga, Jorge M

2018-05-01

3D-printed anatomical models play an important role in medical and research settings. The recent successes of 3D anatomical models in healthcare have led many institutions to adopt the technology. However, there remain several issues that must be addressed before it can become more wide-spread. Of importance are the problems of cost and time of manufacturing. Machine learning (ML) could be utilized to solve these issues by streamlining the 3D modeling process through rapid medical image segmentation and improved patient selection and image acquisition. The current challenges, potential solutions, and future directions for ML and 3D anatomical modeling in healthcare are discussed. Areas covered: This review covers research articles in the field of machine learning as related to 3D anatomical modeling. Topics discussed include automated image segmentation, cost reduction, and related time constraints. Expert commentary: ML-based segmentation of medical images could potentially improve the process of 3D anatomical modeling. However, until more research is done to validate these technologies in clinical practice, their impact on patient outcomes will remain unknown. We have the necessary computational tools to tackle the problems discussed. The difficulty now lies in our ability to collect sufficient data.

Improving anatomical mapping of complexly deformed anatomy for external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy dose accumulation in cervical cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vásquez Osorio, Eliana M., E-mail: e.vasquezosorio@erasmusmc.nl; Kolkman-Deurloo, Inger-Karine K.; Schuring-Pereira, Monica

Purpose: In the treatment of cervical cancer, large anatomical deformations, caused by, e.g., tumor shrinkage, bladder and rectum filling changes, organ sliding, and the presence of the brachytherapy (BT) applicator, prohibit the accumulation of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and BT dose distributions. This work proposes a structure-wise registration with vector field integration (SW+VF) to map the largely deformed anatomies between EBRT and BT, paving the way for 3D dose accumulation between EBRT and BT. Methods: T2w-MRIs acquired before EBRT and as a part of the MRI-guided BT procedure for 12 cervical cancer patients, along with the manual delineations of themore » bladder, cervix-uterus, and rectum-sigmoid, were used for this study. A rigid transformation was used to align the bony anatomy in the MRIs. The proposed SW+VF method starts by automatically segmenting features in the area surrounding the delineated organs. Then, each organ and feature pair is registered independently using a feature-based nonrigid registration algorithm developed in-house. Additionally, a background transformation is calculated to account for areas far from all organs and features. In order to obtain one transformation that can be used for dose accumulation, the organ-based, feature-based, and the background transformations are combined into one vector field using a weighted sum, where the contribution of each transformation can be directly controlled by its extent of influence (scope size). The optimal scope sizes for organ-based and feature-based transformations were found by an exhaustive analysis. The anatomical correctness of the mapping was independently validated by measuring the residual distances after transformation for delineated structures inside the cervix-uterus (inner anatomical correctness), and for anatomical landmarks outside the organs in the surrounding region (outer anatomical correctness). The results of the proposed method were compared with the results of the rigid transformation and nonrigid registration of all structures together (AST). Results: The rigid transformation achieved a good global alignment (mean outer anatomical correctness of 4.3 mm) but failed to align the deformed organs (mean inner anatomical correctness of 22.4 mm). Conversely, the AST registration produced a reasonable alignment for the organs (6.3 mm) but not for the surrounding region (16.9 mm). SW+VF registration achieved the best results for both regions (3.5 and 3.4 mm for the inner and outer anatomical correctness, respectively). All differences were significant (p < 0.02, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Additionally, optimization of the scope sizes determined that the method was robust for a large range of scope size values. Conclusions: The novel SW+VF method improved the mapping of large and complex deformations observed between EBRT and BT for cervical cancer patients. Future studies that quantify the mapping error in terms of dose errors are required to test the clinical applicability of dose accumulation by the SW+VF method.« less

Anatomical sciences: A foundation for a solid learning experience in dental technology and dental prosthetics.

PubMed

Bakr, Mahmoud M; Thompson, C Mark; Massadiq, Magdalena

2017-07-01

Basic science courses are extremely important as a foundation for scaffolding knowledge and then applying it in future courses, clinical situations as well as in a professional career. Anatomical sciences, which include tooth morphology, oral histology, oral embryology, and head and neck anatomy form a core part of the preclinical courses in dental technology programs. In this article, the importance and relevance of anatomical sciences to dental personnel with no direct contact with patients (dental technicians) and limited discipline related contact with patients (dental prosthetists) is highlighted. Some light is shed on the role of anatomical sciences in the pedagogical framework and its significance in the educational process and interprofessional learning of dental technicians and prosthetists using oral biology as an example in the dental curriculum. To conclude, anatomical sciences allow dental technicians and prosthetists to a gain a better insight of how tissues function, leading to a better understanding of diagnosis, comprehensive treatment planning and referrals if needed. Patient communication and satisfaction also increases as a result of this deep understanding of oral tissues. Anatomical sciences bridge the gap between basic science, preclinical, and clinical courses, which leads to a holistic approach in patient management. Finally, treatment outcomes are positively affected due to the appreciation of the macro and micro structure of oral tissues. Anat Sci Educ 10: 395-404. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

An arthroscopic evaluation of the anatomical "critical zone".

PubMed

Naidoo, N; Lazarus, L; Osman, S A; Satyapal, K S

2017-01-01

The "critical zone", a region of speculated vascularity, is situated approximately 10 mm proximal to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon. Despite its obvious role as an anatomical landmark demarcator, its patho-anatomic nature has been identified as the source of rotator cuff pathology. Although many studies have attempted to evaluate the vascularity of this region, the architecture regarding the exact length, width and shape of the critical zone, remains unreported. This study aimed to determine the shape and morphometry of the "critical zone" arthroscopically. The sample series, which was comprised of 38 cases (n = 38) specific to pathological types, employed an anatomical investigation of the critical zone during routine real-time arthroscopy. Demographic representation: i) sex: 19 males, 19 females; ii) age range: 18-76 years; iii) race: white (n = 29), Indian (n = 7) and coloured (n = 2). The incidence of shape and the mean lengths and widths of the critical zone were determined in accordance with the relevant demographic factors and patient history. Although the cresenteric shape was predominant, hemispheric and sail-shaped critical zones were also identified. The lengths and widths of the critical zone appeared markedly increased in male individuals. While the increase in age may account for the increased incidence of rotator cuff degeneration due to poor end-vascular supply, the additional factors of height and weight presented as major determinants of the increase in size of the critical zone. In addition, the comparisons of length and width with each other and shape yielded levels of significant difference, therefore indicating a directly proportional relationship between the length and width of the critical zone. This detailed understanding of the critical zone may prove beneficial for the success of post-operative rotator cuff healing.

[Parameters of cardiac muscle repolarization on the electrocardiogram when changing anatomical and electric position of the heart].

PubMed

Chaĭkovskiĭ, I A; Baum, O V; Popov, L A; Voloshin, V I; Budnik, N N; Frolov, Iu A; Kovalenko, A S

2014-01-01

While discussing the diagnostic value of the single channel electrocardiogram a set of theoretical considerations emerges inevitably, one of the most important among them is the question about dependence of the electrocardiogram parameters from the direction of electrical axis of heart. In other words, changes in what of electrocardiogram parameters are in fact liable to reflect pathological processes in myocardium, and what ones are determined by extracardiac factors, primarily by anatomic characteristics of patients. It is arguable that while analyzing electrocardiogram it is necessary to orient to such physiologically based informative indexes as ST segment displacement. Also, symmetry of the T wave shape is an important parameter which is independent of patients anatomic features. The results obtained are of interest for theoretical and applied aspects of the biophysics of the cardiac electric field.

Cognitive subtypes of dyslexia are characterized by distinct patterns of grey matter volume.

PubMed

Jednoróg, Katarzyna; Gawron, Natalia; Marchewka, Artur; Heim, Stefan; Grabowska, Anna

2014-09-01

The variety of different causal theories together with inconsistencies about the anatomical brain markers emphasize the heterogeneity of developmental dyslexia. Attempts were made to test on a behavioral level the existence of subtypes of dyslexia showing distinguishable cognitive deficits. Importantly, no research was directly devoted to the investigation of structural brain correlates of these subtypes. Here, for the first time, we applied voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to study grey matter volume (GMV) differences in a relatively large sample (n = 46) of dyslexic children split into three subtypes based on the cognitive deficits: phonological, rapid naming, magnocellular/dorsal, and auditory attention shifting. VBM revealed GMV clusters specific for each studied group including areas of left inferior frontal gyrus, cerebellum, right putamen, and bilateral parietal cortex. In addition, using discriminant analysis on these clusters 79% of cross-validated cases were correctly re-classified into four groups (controls vs. three subtypes). Current results indicate that dyslexia may result from distinct cognitive impairments characterized by distinguishable anatomical markers.

Anatomical versus non-anatomical single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study of comparison of knee stability.

PubMed

Lim, Hong-Chul; Yoon, Yong-Cheol; Wang, Joon-Ho; Bae, Ji-Hoon

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the initial stability of anatomical and non-anatomical single bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to determine which would better restore intact knee kinematics. Our hypothesis was that the initial stability of anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction would be superior to that of non-anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal rotation of the tibia were measured with a computer navigation system in seven pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric knees under two testing conditions (manual maximum anterior force, and a manual maximum anterior force combined with an internal rotational force). Tests were performed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees of flexion with the ACL intact, the ACL transected, and after reconstruction of one side of a pair with either anatomical or non-anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction. Under manual maximal anterior force, both reconstruction techniques showed no significant difference of ATT when compared to ACL intact knee state at 30° of knee flexion (p > 0.05). Under the combined anterior and internal rotatory force, non-anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction showed significant difference of ATT compared to those in ACL intact group (p < 0.05). In contrast, central anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction showed no significant difference of ATT compared to those in ACL intact group (p > 0.05). Internal rotation of the tibia showed no significant difference in the ACL intact, the ACL transected, non-anatomical reconstructed and anatomical reconstructed knees. Anatomical single bundle ACL reconstruction restored the initial stability closer to the native ACL under combined anterior and internal rotational forces when compared to non-anatomical ACL single bundle reconstruction.

Supraorbital Rim Syndrome: Definition, Surgical Treatment, and Outcomes for Frontal Headache

PubMed Central

Fallucco, Michael A.; Janis, Jeffrey E.

2016-01-01

Background: Supraorbital rim syndrome (SORS) is a novel term attributed to a composite of anatomically defined peripheral nerve entrapment sites of the supraorbital rim region. The SORS term establishes a more consistent nomenclature to describe the constellation of frontal peripheral nerve entrapment sites causing frontal headache pain. In this article, we describe the anatomical features of SORS and evidence to support its successful treatment using the transpalpebral approach that allows direct vision of these sites and the intraconal space. Methods: A retrospective review of 276 patients who underwent nerve decompression or neurectomy procedures for frontal or occipital headache was performed. Of these, treatment of 96 patients involved frontal surgery, and 45 of these patients were pure SORS patients who underwent this specific frontal trigger site deactivation surgery only. All procedures involved direct surgical approach through the upper eyelid to address the nerves of the supraorbital rim at the bony rim and myofascial sites. Results: Preoperative and postoperative data from the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire were analyzed with paired t test. After surgical intervention, Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire scores decreased significantly at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: SORS describes the totality of compression sites both at the bony orbital rim and the corrugator myofascial unit for the supraorbital rim nerves. Proper diagnosis, full anatomical site knowledge, and complete decompression allow for consistent treatment. Furthermore, the direct, transpalpebral surgical approach provides significant benefit to allow complete decompression. PMID:27536474

Incidence of Branching Patterns Variations of the Arch in Aortic Dissection in Chinese Patients

PubMed Central

Tapia, G. Pullas; Zhu, Xiaohua; Xu, Jing; Liang, Pan; Su, Gang; Liu, Hai; Liu, Yang; Shu, Liliang; Liu, Shuiqi; Huang, Chen

2015-01-01

Abstract Several authors have described anatomic variations of the aortic arch in 13% to 20% of the patients who do not have aortic disease. However, few studies have evaluated these patterns in the thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). In the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey that specifically investigates the frequency of these variations in a broad, nonselected group of Chinese patients with aortic dissection. Furthermore, it compares this group with a group of patients without aortic disease. The objective of this study was to define the variation frequency of the aortic arch branches pattern using the tomographic studies of 525 Chinese patients with a diagnosis of TAD. The Stanford classification was used to set the site of the initial tear of the dissection. In addition, we performed an epidemiological analysis of the aortic arch anatomic variations in TAD, and its possible implications for surgical or endovascular treatment. The general hypothesis proposal asserted that Chinese patients with dissection of the aorta have a similar incidence of variations of the aortic arch to the patients without aortic disease. A retrospective study of cases and controls was carried out using the tomographic studies (CT) of all patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, located at Henan-China, with a confirmed diagnosis of aortic dissection from January 2012 until December 2014. The group of cases consisted of 525 patients: 374 men and 151 women, with a mean age of 52.27 years (range, 20–89). The average age of the patients with Stanford A and B aortic dissection was 49.46 and 53.67, respectively. The control group consisted of 525 unselected patients without TAD who underwent a CT scan of the chest due to other indications. This group consisted of 286 men and 239 women, with a mean age of 53.60 years (range, 18–89). All the patients with aneurysm or dissection were excluded from the control group. We performed a statistical analysis of demographic data. The study found 7 different patterns of the aortic arch on both groups of cases and controls. Within the 525 patients with TAD were observed 85 (16.19%) anatomical variations, while the control group showed 112 variations (21.33%); P = 0.033. The most common anatomical variant was the bovine arch, found in 62 (11.80%) cases of TAD compared with 77 (14.66%) in the control group; P = 0.172. Anatomical variations were observed in 14.32% of the patients with Stanford A dissection and 17.09% of the patients with Stanford B dissection; P = 0.425. Patients with Stanford A dissection showed the pattern of bovine arch in 23 (13.21%) of 174 cases. In contrast, the patients with Stanford B dissection showed it in 39 (11.11%) of 351 cases; P = 0.481. The anatomical variant defined as vertebral artery of direct origin of the aortic arch was more frequent in the patients with Stanford B dissection (5.12%). The patients with Stanford A dissection presented this pattern in 1.14% of the cases; P = 0.025. This study observed an increased frequency of aortic dissection in the subgroup from 41 to 60 years old. In the subgroup from 41 to 60 years old without TAD, a greater frequency of anatomical variations were found than in the patients with TAD (20.81% vs 14.23%; P = 0.050). The same fashion was seen in patients older than 80 years (27.27% vs 0%; P = 0.030). The anatomical variations of the aortic arch with TAD occurred in 14.97% of the male patients and 19.20% of the female patients compared to 21.67% to 20.92% in the control group; P = 0.026 and P = 0.681, respectively. The aortic arch variations were found less frequently in the TAD group than in the control group in the present Chinese series. The bovine arch was considered the variant pattern of the major frequency in the patients with TAD and the control group. The anatomical variant of 4 branches, defined as vertebral artery of direct origin of the aortic arch, was more frequent in patients with Stanford B aortic dissection than in the patients with Stanford A. This finding might show an association between the geometry of the aortic arch and the site of onset of first intimal tear of dissection. PMID:25929931

Incidence of branching patterns variations of the arch in aortic dissection in Chinese patients.

PubMed

Tapia, G Pullas; Zhu, Xiaohua; Xu, Jing; Liang, Pan; Su, Gang; Liu, Hai; Liu, Yang; Shu, Liliang; Liu, Shuiqi; Huang, Chen

2015-05-01

Several authors have described anatomic variations of the aortic arch in 13% to 20% of the patients who do not have aortic disease. However, few studies have evaluated these patterns in the thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). In the authors' knowledge, this is the first survey that specifically investigates the frequency of these variations in a broad, nonselected group of Chinese patients with aortic dissection. Furthermore, it compares this group with a group of patients without aortic disease.The objective of this study was to define the variation frequency of the aortic arch branches pattern using the tomographic studies of 525 Chinese patients with a diagnosis of TAD. The Stanford classification was used to set the site of the initial tear of the dissection. In addition, we performed an epidemiological analysis of the aortic arch anatomic variations in TAD, and its possible implications for surgical or endovascular treatment. The general hypothesis proposal asserted that Chinese patients with dissection of the aorta have a similar incidence of variations of the aortic arch to the patients without aortic disease.A retrospective study of cases and controls was carried out using the tomographic studies (CT) of all patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, located at Henan-China, with a confirmed diagnosis of aortic dissection from January 2012 until December 2014. The group of cases consisted of 525 patients: 374 men and 151 women, with a mean age of 52.27 years (range, 20-89). The average age of the patients with Stanford A and B aortic dissection was 49.46 and 53.67, respectively. The control group consisted of 525 unselected patients without TAD who underwent a CT scan of the chest due to other indications. This group consisted of 286 men and 239 women, with a mean age of 53.60 years (range, 18-89). All the patients with aneurysm or dissection were excluded from the control group. We performed a statistical analysis of demographic data.The study found 7 different patterns of the aortic arch on both groups of cases and controls. Within the 525 patients with TAD were observed 85 (16.19%) anatomical variations, while the control group showed 112 variations (21.33%); P = 0.033. The most common anatomical variant was the bovine arch, found in 62 (11.80%) cases of TAD compared with 77 (14.66%) in the control group; P = 0.172. Anatomical variations were observed in 14.32% of the patients with Stanford A dissection and 17.09% of the patients with Stanford B dissection; P = 0.425. Patients with Stanford A dissection showed the pattern of bovine arch in 23 (13.21%) of 174 cases. In contrast, the patients with Stanford B dissection showed it in 39 (11.11%) of 351 cases; P = 0.481. The anatomical variant defined as vertebral artery of direct origin of the aortic arch was more frequent in the patients with Stanford B dissection (5.12%). The patients with Stanford A dissection presented this pattern in 1.14% of the cases; P = 0.025. This study observed an increased frequency of aortic dissection in the subgroup from 41 to 60 years old. In the subgroup from 41 to 60 years old without TAD, a greater frequency of anatomical variations were found than in the patients with TAD (20.81% vs 14.23%; P = 0.050). The same fashion was seen in patients older than 80 years (27.27% vs 0%; P = 0.030). The anatomical variations of the aortic arch with TAD occurred in 14.97% of the male patients and 19.20% of the female patients compared to 21.67% to 20.92% in the control group; P = 0.026 and P = 0.681, respectively.The aortic arch variations were found less frequently in the TAD group than in the control group in the present Chinese series. The bovine arch was considered the variant pattern of the major frequency in the patients with TAD and the control group. The anatomical variant of 4 branches, defined as vertebral artery of direct origin of the aortic arch, was more frequent in patients with Stanford B aortic dissection than in the patients with Stanford A.This finding might show an association between the geometry of the aortic arch and the site of onset of first intimal tear of dissection.

Integrating inter- and intra-annual tree-ring width, carbon isotopes and anatomy: responses to climate variability in a temperate oak forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granda, Elena; Bazot, Stéphane; Fresneau, Chantal; Boura, Anaïs; Faccioni, Georgia; Damesin, Claire

2015-04-01

While many forests are experiencing strong tree declines due to climate change in temperate ecosystems, others nearby to those declining show no apparent signs of decline. This could be due to particular microsite conditions or, for instance, to a higher plasticity of given traits that allow a better performance under stressful conditions. We studied oak functional mechanisms (Quercus petraea) leading to the apparently healthy status of the forest and their relation to the observed climatic variability. This study was conducted in the Barbeau Forest (northern France), where cores from mature trees were collected. Three types of functional traits (secondary growth, physiological variables - δ13C and derived Δ13C and iWUE- and several anatomical ones -e.g. vessel area, density-) were recorded for each ring for the 1991-2011 period, distinguishing EW from LW in all measured traits. Among the three types of functional traits, those related to growth experienced the highest variability both between years and between individuals, followed by anatomical and physiological ones. Secondary growth maintained a constant trend during the study period. Instead, ring, EW and LW δ13C slightly declined from 1991 to 2011. Additional intra-ring δ13C analyses allowed for a more detailed understanding of the seasonal dynamics within each year. In particular, the year 2007 (an especially favorable climatic year during the growing season) showed the lowest δ13C values during the EW-LW transition for the whole study period. Inter-annual anatomical traits varied in their responses, but in general, no temporal trends were found. The results from structural equation modeling (SEM) showed direct relationships of seasonal climate and growth, as well as indirect relationships mediated by anatomical and physiological traits. We further discuss the implications of these results on future forest responses to ongoing climate changes.

Estimation of lung tumor position from multiple anatomical features on 4D-CT using multiple regression analysis.

PubMed

Ono, Tomohiro; Nakamura, Mitsuhiro; Hirose, Yoshinori; Kitsuda, Kenji; Ono, Yuka; Ishigaki, Takashi; Hiraoka, Masahiro

2017-09-01

To estimate the lung tumor position from multiple anatomical features on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) data sets using single regression analysis (SRA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) approach and evaluate an impact of the approach on internal target volume (ITV) for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) of the lung. Eleven consecutive lung cancer patients (12 cases) underwent 4D-CT scanning. The three-dimensional (3D) lung tumor motion exceeded 5 mm. The 3D tumor position and anatomical features, including lung volume, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and chest wall positions, were measured on 4D-CT images. The tumor position was estimated by SRA using each anatomical feature and MRA using all anatomical features. The difference between the actual and estimated tumor positions was defined as the root-mean-square error (RMSE). A standard partial regression coefficient for the MRA was evaluated. The 3D lung tumor position showed a high correlation with the lung volume (R = 0.92 ± 0.10). Additionally, ITVs derived from SRA and MRA approaches were compared with ITV derived from contouring gross tumor volumes on all 10 phases of the 4D-CT (conventional ITV). The RMSE of the SRA was within 3.7 mm in all directions. Also, the RMSE of the MRA was within 1.6 mm in all directions. The standard partial regression coefficient for the lung volume was the largest and had the most influence on the estimated tumor position. Compared with conventional ITV, average percentage decrease of ITV were 31.9% and 38.3% using SRA and MRA approaches, respectively. The estimation accuracy of lung tumor position was improved by the MRA approach, which provided smaller ITV than conventional ITV. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

New Directions in the Detection of Polarized Light

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

vision and draws from anatomical and behavioural studies as well as optics . Horvath et al. [3] polish this and the whole volume off with a fascinating...example of biomimicry . It is important to recognize that all work presented in this special issue has grown from the inspirational efforts of our...atmospheric optical prerequisites allowing polarimetric navigation by Viking seafarers. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B 366, 772–782. (doi:10.1098/rstb.2010.0194) 4

Frontosubthalamic Circuits for Control of Action and Cognition

PubMed Central

Herz, Damian M.; Brown, Peter; Forstmann, Birte U.; Zaghloul, Kareem

2016-01-01

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the basal ganglia appears to have a potent role in action and cognition. Anatomical and imaging studies show that different frontal cortical areas directly project to the STN via so-called hyperdirect pathways. This review reports some of the latest findings about such circuits, including simultaneous recordings from cortex and the STN in humans, single-unit recordings in humans, high-resolution fMRI, and neurocomputational modeling. We argue that a major function of the STN is to broadly pause behavior and cognition when stop signals, conflict signals, or surprise signals occur, and that the fronto-STN circuits for doing this, at least for stopping and conflict, are dissociable anatomically and in terms of their spectral reactivity. We also highlight recent evidence for synchronization of oscillations between prefrontal cortex and the STN, which may provide a preferential “window in time” for single neuron communication via long-range connections. PMID:27911752

A Novel, Low-Volume Method for Organ Culture of Embryonic Kidneys That Allows Development of Cortico-Medullary Anatomical Organization

PubMed Central

Sebinger, David D. R.; Unbekandt, Mathieu; Ganeva, Veronika V.; Ofenbauer, Andreas; Werner, Carsten; Davies, Jamie A.

2010-01-01

Here, we present a novel method for culturing kidneys in low volumes of medium that offers more organotypic development compared to conventional methods. Organ culture is a powerful technique for studying renal development. It recapitulates many aspects of early development very well, but the established techniques have some disadvantages: in particular, they require relatively large volumes (1–3 mls) of culture medium, which can make high-throughput screens expensive, they require porous (filter) substrates which are difficult to modify chemically, and the organs produced do not achieve good cortico-medullary zonation. Here, we present a technique of growing kidney rudiments in very low volumes of medium–around 85 microliters–using silicone chambers. In this system, kidneys grow directly on glass, grow larger than in conventional culture and develop a clear anatomical cortico-medullary zonation with extended loops of Henle. PMID:20479933

The braingraph.org database of high resolution structural connectomes and the brain graph tools.

PubMed

Kerepesi, Csaba; Szalkai, Balázs; Varga, Bálint; Grolmusz, Vince

2017-10-01

Based on the data of the NIH-funded Human Connectome Project, we have computed structural connectomes of 426 human subjects in five different resolutions of 83, 129, 234, 463 and 1015 nodes and several edge weights. The graphs are given in anatomically annotated GraphML format that facilitates better further processing and visualization. For 96 subjects, the anatomically classified sub-graphs can also be accessed, formed from the vertices corresponding to distinct lobes or even smaller regions of interests of the brain. For example, one can easily download and study the connectomes, restricted to the frontal lobes or just to the left precuneus of 96 subjects using the data. Partially directed connectomes of 423 subjects are also available for download. We also present a GitHub-deposited set of tools, called the Brain Graph Tools, for several processing tasks of the connectomes on the site http://braingraph.org.

Nonlinear PET parametric image reconstruction with MRI information using kernel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Kuang; Wang, Guobao; Chen, Kevin T.; Catana, Ciprian; Qi, Jinyi

2017-03-01

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a functional imaging modality widely used in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. It is highly sensitive, but suffers from relatively poor spatial resolution, as compared with anatomical imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the recent development of combined PET/MR systems, we can improve the PET image quality by incorporating MR information. Previously we have used kernel learning to embed MR information in static PET reconstruction and direct Patlak reconstruction. Here we extend this method to direct reconstruction of nonlinear parameters in a compartment model by using the alternating direction of multiplier method (ADMM) algorithm. Simulation studies show that the proposed method can produce superior parametric images compared with existing methods.

Relating Structure and Function in the Human Brain: Relative Contributions of Anatomy, Stationary Dynamics, and Non-stationarities

PubMed Central

Messé, Arnaud; Rudrauf, David; Benali, Habib; Marrelec, Guillaume

2014-01-01

Investigating the relationship between brain structure and function is a central endeavor for neuroscience research. Yet, the mechanisms shaping this relationship largely remain to be elucidated and are highly debated. In particular, the existence and relative contributions of anatomical constraints and dynamical physiological mechanisms of different types remain to be established. We addressed this issue by systematically comparing functional connectivity (FC) from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data with simulations from increasingly complex computational models, and by manipulating anatomical connectivity obtained from fiber tractography based on diffusion-weighted imaging. We hypothesized that FC reflects the interplay of at least three types of components: (i) a backbone of anatomical connectivity, (ii) a stationary dynamical regime directly driven by the underlying anatomy, and (iii) other stationary and non-stationary dynamics not directly related to the anatomy. We showed that anatomical connectivity alone accounts for up to 15% of FC variance; that there is a stationary regime accounting for up to an additional 20% of variance and that this regime can be associated to a stationary FC; that a simple stationary model of FC better explains FC than more complex models; and that there is a large remaining variance (around 65%), which must contain the non-stationarities of FC evidenced in the literature. We also show that homotopic connections across cerebral hemispheres, which are typically improperly estimated, play a strong role in shaping all aspects of FC, notably indirect connections and the topographic organization of brain networks. PMID:24651524

The para-aortic ridge plays a key role in the formation of the renal, adrenal and gonadal vascular systems

PubMed Central

Isogai, Sumio; Horiguchi, Mayuko; Hitomi, Jiro

2010-01-01

Renal, adrenal, gonadal, ureteral and inferior phrenic arteries vary in their level of origin and in their calibre, number and precise anatomical relationship to other structures. Studies of the origin and early development of these arteries have evoked sharp disputes. The ladder theory of Felix, which states that ‘All the mesonephric arteries may persist; from them are formed the phrenic, suprarenal, renal and internal spermatic arteries’ has been generally quoted in the anatomical textbooks without rigorous verification for 100 years. In this study, we re-examined this theory by performing micro-injection of dye and resin into rat (Rattus norvegicus) embryos. Our results revealed that most of the mesonephric arteries had degenerated before the metanephros started its ascent. The definitive renal, adrenal, gonadal, ureteral and inferior phrenic arteries appeared as new branches from the gonadal artery and/or directly from the abdominal aorta to the para-aortic ridge. Coincidental to this, the anatomical architecture of the inter-renal vascular cage, which consists of the interlobar and arcuate arteries and their collateral veins, was completed within the developing metanephros. We demonstrated that the delicate renal vascular cage switched from the primary renal artery to the definitive renal artery and that the route of venous drainage changed from the posterior cardinal vein to the inferior (caudal) vena cava. PMID:20579173

Vocal Tract Morphology in Inhaling Singing: An MRI-Based Study.

PubMed

Moerman, Mieke; Vanhecke, Françoise; Van Assche, Lieven; Vercruysse, Johan; Daemers, Kristin; Leman, Marc

2016-07-01

Inhaling singing is a recently developed singing technique explored by the soprano singer Françoise Vanhecke. It is based on an inspiratory airflow instead of an expiratory airflow. This article describes the anatomical structural differences of the vocal tract between inhaling and exhaling singing. We hypothesize that the vocal tract alters significantly in inhaling singing, especially concerning the configuration of the anatomical structures in the oral cavity and the subglottal region. This is a prospective study. A professional singer (F.V.) performed sustained tones from F5 chromatically rising up to Bb5 on the vowel /a/. Vocal tract anatomy is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Wilcoxon directional testing demonstrates (1) that the vocal tract volume above the glottal region does not differ statistically in contrast to the subglottal region and (2) significant changes in the configuration of the tongue, the upright position of the epiglottis, the length of the floor of mouth, and the distance between the teeth. The narrowing of the subglottis is considered to be secondary to suction forces used in the inhaling singing technique. The changes in the anatomical structures above the vocal folds possibly suggest a valve-like function controlling the air inlet together with the regulator function of the resonator capacities of the vocal tract. Copyright © 2016 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Standard Anatomic Terminologies: Comparison for Use in a Health Information Exchange–Based Prior Computed Tomography (CT) Alerting System

PubMed Central

Lowry, Tina; Vreeman, Daniel J; Loo, George T; Delman, Bradley N; Thum, Frederick L; Slovis, Benjamin H; Shapiro, Jason S

2017-01-01

Background A health information exchange (HIE)–based prior computed tomography (CT) alerting system may reduce avoidable CT imaging by notifying ordering clinicians of prior relevant studies when a study is ordered. For maximal effectiveness, a system would alert not only for prior same CTs (exams mapped to the same code from an exam name terminology) but also for similar CTs (exams mapped to different exam name terminology codes but in the same anatomic region) and anatomically proximate CTs (exams in adjacent anatomic regions). Notification of previous same studies across an HIE requires mapping of local site CT codes to a standard terminology for exam names (such as Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes [LOINC]) to show that two studies with different local codes and descriptions are equivalent. Notifying of prior similar or proximate CTs requires an additional mapping of exam codes to anatomic regions, ideally coded by an anatomic terminology. Several anatomic terminologies exist, but no prior studies have evaluated how well they would support an alerting use case. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitness of five existing standard anatomic terminologies to support similar or proximate alerts of an HIE-based prior CT alerting system. Methods We compared five standard anatomic terminologies (Foundational Model of Anatomy, Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms, RadLex, LOINC, and LOINC/Radiological Society of North America [RSNA] Radiology Playbook) to an anatomic framework created specifically for our use case (Simple ANatomic Ontology for Proximity or Similarity [SANOPS]), to determine whether the existing terminologies could support our use case without modification. On the basis of an assessment of optimal terminology features for our purpose, we developed an ordinal anatomic terminology utility classification. We mapped samples of 100 random and the 100 most frequent LOINC CT codes to anatomic regions in each terminology, assigned utility classes for each mapping, and statistically compared each terminology’s utility class rankings. We also constructed seven hypothetical alerting scenarios to illustrate the terminologies’ differences. Results Both RadLex and the LOINC/RSNA Radiology Playbook anatomic terminologies ranked significantly better (P<.001) than the other standard terminologies for the 100 most frequent CTs, but no terminology ranked significantly better than any other for 100 random CTs. Hypothetical scenarios illustrated instances where no standard terminology would support appropriate proximate or similar alerts, without modification. Conclusions LOINC/RSNA Radiology Playbook and RadLex’s anatomic terminologies appear well suited to support proximate or similar alerts for commonly ordered CTs, but for less commonly ordered tests, modification of the existing terminologies with concepts and relations from SANOPS would likely be required. Our findings suggest SANOPS may serve as a framework for enhancing anatomic terminologies in support of other similar use cases. PMID:29242174

Validation of a technique for accurate fine-wire electrode placement into posterior gluteus medius using real-time ultrasound guidance.

PubMed

Hodges, P W; Kippers, V; Richardson, C A

1997-01-01

Fine-wire electromyography is primarily utilised for the recording of activity of the deep musculature, however, due to the location of these muscles, accurate electrode placement is difficult. Real-time ultrasound imaging (RTUI) of muscle tissue has been used for the guidance of the needle insertion for the placement of electrodes into the muscles of the abdominal wall. The validity of RTUI guidance of needle insertion into the deep muscles has not been determined. A cadaveric study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy with which RTUI can be used to guide fine-wire electrode placement using the posterior fibres of gluteus medius (PGM) as an example. Pilot studies revealed that the ultrasound resolution of cadaveric tissue is markedly reduced making it impossible to directly evaluate the technique, therefore, three studies were conducted. An initial study involved the demarcation of the anatomical boundaries of PGM using RTUI to define a technique based on an anatomical landmark that was consisent with the in vivo RTUI guided needle placement technique. This anatomical landmark was then used as the guide for the cadaveric needle insertion. Once the needle was positioned 0.05 ml of dye was introduced and the specimen dissected. The dye was accurately placed in PGM in 100% of the specimens. Finally, fine-wire electrodes were inserted into the PGM of five volunteers and manoeuvres performed indicating the accuracy of placement. This study supports the use of ultrasound imaging for the accurate guidance of needle insertion for fine-wire and needle EMG electrodes.

Group-level variations in motor representation areas of thenar and anterior tibial muscles: Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study.

PubMed

Niskanen, Eini; Julkunen, Petro; Säisänen, Laura; Vanninen, Ritva; Karjalainen, Pasi; Könönen, Mervi

2010-08-01

Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to stimulate functional cortical areas at precise anatomical location to induce measurable responses. The stimulation has commonly been focused on anatomically predefined motor areas: TMS of that area elicits a measurable muscle response, the motor evoked potential. In clinical pathologies, however, the well-known homunculus somatotopy theory may not be straightforward, and the representation area of the muscle is not fixed. Traditionally, the anatomical locations of TMS stimulations have not been reported at the group level in standard space. This study describes a methodology for group-level analysis by investigating the normal representation areas of thenar and anterior tibial muscle in the primary motor cortex. The optimal representation area for these muscles was mapped in 59 healthy right-handed subjects using navigated TMS. The coordinates of the optimal stimulation sites were then normalized into standard space to determine the representation areas of these muscles at the group-level in healthy subjects. Furthermore, 95% confidence interval ellipsoids were fitted into the optimal stimulation site clusters to define the variation between subjects in optimal stimulation sites. The variation was found to be highest in the anteroposterior direction along the superior margin of the precentral gyrus. These results provide important normative information for clinical studies assessing changes in the functional cortical areas because of plasticity of the brain. Furthermore, it is proposed that the presented methodology to study TMS locations at the group level on standard space will be a suitable tool for research purposes in population studies. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Anatomically ordered tapping interferes more with one-digit addition than two-digit addition: a dual-task fMRI study.

PubMed

Soylu, Firat; Newman, Sharlene D

2016-02-01

Fingers are used as canonical representations for numbers across cultures. In previous imaging studies, it was shown that arithmetic processing activates neural resources that are known to participate in finger movements. Additionally, in one dual-task study, it was shown that anatomically ordered finger tapping disrupts addition and subtraction more than multiplication, possibly due to a long-lasting effect of early finger counting experiences on the neural correlates and organization of addition and subtraction processes. How arithmetic task difficulty and tapping complexity affect the concurrent performance is still unclear. If early finger counting experiences have bearing on the neural correlates of arithmetic in adults, then one would expect anatomically and non-anatomically ordered tapping to have different interference effects, given that finger counting is usually anatomically ordered. To unravel these issues, we studied how (1) arithmetic task difficulty and (2) the complexity of the finger tapping sequence (anatomical vs. non-anatomical ordering) affect concurrent performance and use of key neural circuits using a mixed block/event-related dual-task fMRI design with adult participants. The results suggest that complexity of the tapping sequence modulates interference on addition, and that one-digit addition (fact retrieval), compared to two-digit addition (calculation), is more affected from anatomically ordered tapping. The region-of-interest analysis showed higher left angular gyrus BOLD response for one-digit compared to two-digit addition, and in no-tapping conditions than dual tapping conditions. The results support a specific association between addition fact retrieval and anatomically ordered finger movements in adults, possibly due to finger counting strategies that deploy anatomically ordered finger movements early in the development.

Interventions for treating chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

de Vries, J S; Krips, R; Sierevelt, I N; Blankevoort, L

2006-10-18

Chronic lateral ankle instability occurs in 10% to 20% of people after an acute ankle sprain. The initial form of treatment is conservative but if this fails and ligament laxity is present, surgical intervention is considered. To compare different treatments, both conservative and surgical, for chronic lateral ankle instability. We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialized Register (to July 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 3), and MEDLINE (1966 to April 2006), EMBASE (1980 to April 2006), CINAHL (1982 to April 2006) and reference lists of articles. All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of interventions for chronic lateral ankle instability were included. Two review authors independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. Seven randomised trials were included and divided into three groups: surgical interventions; rehabilitation programs after surgical interventions; and conservative interventions. None of the studies were methodologically flawless. Only one study described an adequate randomisation procedure. Only two studies, both about rehabilitation programs after surgery, had a moderate risk of bias; all other studies had a high risk of bias. Due to clinical and methodological diversity, extensive pooling of the data was not possible. Surgical interventions (four studies): one study showed more complications after the Chrisman-Snook procedure compared to an anatomical reconstruction, whereas another study showed greater mean talar tilt after an anatomical reconstruction. Subjective instability and hindfoot inversion was greater after a dynamic than after a static tenodesis in a third study. The fourth study showed that the operating time for anatomical reconstructions was shorter for the reinsertion technique than for the imbrication method. Rehabilitation after surgical interventions (two studies): both studies provided evidence that early functional mobilization leads to an earlier return to work and sports than immobilisation. Conservative interventions: the only study in this group showed better proprioception and functional outcome with the bi-directional than with the uni-directional pedal technique on a cyclo-ergometer. In view of the low quality methodology of almost all the studies, this review does not provide sufficient evidence to support any specific surgical or conservative intervention for chronic ankle instability. However, after surgical reconstruction, early functional rehabilitation was shown to be superior to six weeks immobilisation regarding time to return to work and sports.

Interpreting and Integrating Clinical and Anatomic Pathology Results.

PubMed

Ramaiah, Lila; Hinrichs, Mary Jane; Skuba, Elizabeth V; Iverson, William O; Ennulat, Daniela

2017-01-01

The continuing education course on integrating clinical and anatomical pathology data was designed to communicate the importance of using a weight of evidence approach to interpret safety findings in toxicology studies. This approach is necessary, as neither clinical nor anatomic pathology data can be relied upon in isolation to fully understand the relationship between study findings and the test article. Basic principles for correlating anatomic pathology and clinical pathology findings and for integrating these with other study end points were reviewed. To highlight these relationships, a series of case examples, presented jointly by a clinical pathologist and an anatomic pathologist, were used to illustrate the collaborative effort required between clinical and anatomical pathologists. In addition, the diagnostic utility of traditional liver biomarkers was discussed using results from a meta-analysis of rat hepatobiliary marker and histopathology data. This discussion also included examples of traditional and novel liver and renal biomarker data implementation in nonclinical toxicology studies to illustrate the relationship between discrete changes in biochemistry and tissue morphology.

Quantitation of maxillary remodeling. 2. Masking of remodeling effects when an "anatomical" method of superimposition is used in the absence of metallic implants.

PubMed

Baumrind, S; Korn, E L; Ben-Bassat, Y; West, E E

1987-06-01

We report the results of a study aimed at quantifying the differences in the perceived pattern of maxillary remodeling that are observed when different methods are used to superimpose maxillary images in roentgenographic cephalometrics. In a previous article, we reported cumulative changes in the positions of anterior nasal spine (ANS), posterior nasal spine (PNS), and Point A for a sample of 31 subjects with maxillary metallic implants. Measurements had been made on lateral cephalograms taken at annual intervals relative to superimposition on the implants. In the present article, we quantify the differences in the perceived displacement of the same landmarks in the same sample when a standard "anatomical best bit" rule was used in lieu of superimposition on the implants. The anatomical best fit superimposition as herein defined was found in this sample to lose important information on the downward remodeling of the superior surface of the maxilla that had been detected when the implant superimposition was used. In fact, we observed a small artifactual upward displacement of the ANS-PNS line. In the anteroposterior direction, the tendency toward backward displacement of skeletal landmarks through time that had been detected with the implant superimposition was replaced by a small forward displacement of ANS and Point A together with reduced backward displacement of PNS. To the extent that the implant superimposition is to be considered the true and correct one, the anatomical best fit superimposition appears to understate the true downward remodeling of the palate by an average of about 0.3 and 0.4 mm per year, although this value differs at different ages and timepoints. The anatomical best fit superimposition also misses entirely the small mean tendency toward backward remodeling that was observed when the implant superimposition was used. In situations in which there are no implants, clinicians and research workers must necessarily continue to use anatomically based superimpositions with definitions more or less similar to that of the anatomical best fit superimposition used here. When they do so, some systematic errors will be incurred. For grouped data, we believe that the best currently available estimates of the mean errors involved in using the anatomical best fit superimposition to approximate an implant superimposition are the "bias" values included in Table IIC. The secondary implications of these differences to the perceived displacements of the maxillary teeth will be considered in our next article.

Using tensor-based morphometry to detect structural brain abnormalities in rats with adolescent intermittent alcohol exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paniagua, Beatriz; Ehlers, Cindy; Crews, Fulton; Budin, Francois; Larson, Garrett; Styner, Martin; Oguz, Ipek

2011-03-01

Understanding the effects of adolescent binge drinking that persist into adulthood is a crucial public health issue. Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure (AIE) is an animal model that can be used to investigate these effects in rodents. In this work, we investigate the application of a particular image analysis technique, tensor-based morphometry, for detecting anatomical differences between AIE and control rats using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Deformation field analysis is a popular method for detecting volumetric changes analyzing Jacobian determinants calculated on deformation fields. Recent studies showed that computing deformation field metrics on the full deformation tensor, often referred to as tensor-based morphometry (TBM), increases the sensitivity to anatomical differences. In this paper we conduct a comprehensive TBM study for precisely locating differences between control and AIE rats. Using a DTI RARE sequence designed for minimal geometric distortion, 12-directional images were acquired postmortem for control and AIE rats (n=9). After preprocessing, average images for the two groups were constructed using an unbiased atlas building approach. We non-rigidly register the two atlases using Large Deformation Diffeomorphic Metric Mapping, and analyze the resulting deformation field using TBM. In particular, we evaluate the tensor determinant, geodesic anisotropy, and deformation direction vector (DDV) on the deformation field to detect structural differences. This yields data on the local amount of growth, shrinkage and the directionality of deformation between the groups. We show that TBM can thus be used to measure group morphological differences between rat populations, demonstrating the potential of the proposed framework.

Advanced imaging technologies for mapping cadaveric lymphatic anatomy: magnetic resonance and computed tomography lymphangiography.

PubMed

Pan, W R; Rozen, W M; Stretch, J; Thierry, B; Ashton, M W; Corlett, R J

2008-09-01

Lymphatic anatomy has become increasingly clinically important as surgical techniques evolve for investigating and treating cancer metastases. However, due to limited anatomical techniques available, research in this field has been insufficient. The techniques of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography have not been described previously in the imaging of cadaveric lymphatic anatomy. This preliminary work describes the feasibility of these advanced imaging technologies for imaging lymphatic anatomy. A single, fresh cadaveric lower limb underwent lymphatic dissection and cannulation utilizing microsurgical techniques. Contrast materials for both CT and MR studies were chosen based on their suitability for subsequent clinical use, and imaging was undertaken with a view to mapping lymphatic anatomy. Microdissection studies were compared with imaging findings in each case. Both MR-based and CT-based contrast media in current clinical use were found to be suitable for demonstrating cadaveric lymphatic anatomy upon direct intralymphatic injection. MR lymphangiography and CT lymphangiography are feasible modalities for cadaveric anatomical research for lymphatic anatomy. Future studies including refinements in scanning techniques may offer these technologies to the clinical setting.

Cannula Versus Sharp Needle for Placement of Soft Tissue Fillers: An Observational Cadaver Study.

PubMed

van Loghem, Jani A J; Humzah, Dalvi; Kerscher, Martina

2017-12-13

Soft-tissue fillers have become important products for facial rejuvenation. Deep fat compartments and facial bones lose volume during the natural aging process. For the most natural-looking results, deep volumetric injections at strategic sites are therefore preferred. Supraperiosteal placement is performed with a sharp needle or a non-traumatic cannula. The primary objective was to determine whether there is a difference in precision between supraperiosteal placement with a sharp needle compared with a non-traumatic cannula in cadaver specimens. A secondary objective was to analyze the safety profiles of both injection techniques. Cadaver heads were injected with dye material and soft-tissue fillers at multiple aesthetic facial sites on the supraperiosteum and subsequently dissected for observation of dye and filler placement. The non-traumatic cannula technique resulted in product being confined to the deep anatomic layers. In contrast, with the sharp needle technique, material was placed in multiple anatomic layers, from the periosteum to more superficial skin layers. For both techniques results were consistent for all facial sites. Although direct extrapolation from cadavers to the in vivo situation cannot be made, cannulae showed more precision in placement of product. With the sharp needle, the material was injected on the periosteum, and then migrated in a retrograde direction along the trajectory of the needle path, ending up in multiple anatomic layers. The sharp needle technique also showed a higher complication risk with intra-arterial injection occurring, even though the needle tip was positioned on the periosteum and the product was injected with the needle in constant contact with the periosteum. © 2016 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com

Comparison of survival outcomes after anatomical resection and non-anatomical resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Kim, Seheon; Kim, Seokwhan; Song, Insang

2015-01-01

Backgrounds/Aims Liver resection is a curative procedure performed worldwide for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Deciding on the appropriate resection range for postoperative hepatic function preservation is an important surgical consideration. This study compares survival outcomes of HCC patients who underwent anatomical or non-anatomical resection, to determine which offers the best clinical survival benefit. Methods One hundred and thirty-one patients underwent liver resection with HCC, between January 2007 and February 2015, and were divided into two groups: those who underwent anatomical liver resection (n=88) and those who underwent non-anatomical liver resection (n=43). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regressions were used to compare the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates between the groups. Results The mean follow-up periods were 27 and 40 months in the anatomical and non-anatomical groups, respectively (p=0.229). The 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 70% and 60% in the anatomical group and 62% and 48% in the non-anatomical group, respectively. The 3 and 5-year OS rates were 94% and 78% in the anatomical group, and 86% and 80% in the non-anatomical group, respectively. The anatomical group tended to show better outcomes, but the findings were not significant. However, a relative risk of OS between the anatomical and non-anatomical group was 0.234 (95% CI, 0.061-0.896; p=0.034), which is statistically significant. Conclusions Although statistical significance was not detected in survival curves, anatomical resection showed better results. In this respect, anatomical resection is more likely to perform in HCC patients with preserve liver function than non-anatomical resection. PMID:26693235

Anatomical and physiological evidence for polarisation vision in the nocturnal bee Megalopta genalis.

PubMed

Greiner, Birgit; Cronin, Thomas W; Ribi, Willi A; Wcislo, William T; Warrant, Eric J

2007-06-01

The presence of a specialised dorsal rim area with an ability to detect the e-vector orientation of polarised light is shown for the first time in a nocturnal hymenopteran. The dorsal rim area of the halictid bee Megalopta genalis features a number of characteristic anatomical specialisations including an increased rhabdom diameter and a lack of primary screening pigments. Optically, these specialisations result in wide spatial receptive fields (Deltarho = 14 degrees ), a common adaptation found in the dorsal rim areas of insects used to filter out interfering effects (i.e. clouds) from the sky. In this specialised eye region all nine photoreceptors contribute their microvilli to the entire length of the ommatidia. These orthogonally directed microvilli are anatomically arranged in an almost linear, anterior-posterior orientation. Intracellular recordings within the dorsal rim area show very high polarisation sensitivity and a sensitivity peak within the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.

A geometric analysis of semicircular canals and induced activity in their peripheral afferents in the rhesus monkey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reisine, H.; Simpson, J. I.; Henn, V.

1988-01-01

Experiments were carried out to determine anatomically the planes of the semicircular canals of two juvenile rhesus monkeys, using plastic casts of the semicircular canals, and the anatomical measurements were related to the directional coding of neural signals transmitted by primary afferents innervating the same simicircular canals. In the experiments, animals were prepared for monitoring the eye position by the implantation of silver-silver chloride electrodes into the bony orbit. Following the recording of semicircular canal afferent activity, the animals were sacrificed; plastic casting resin was injected into the bony canals; and, when the temporal bone was demineralized and removed, the coordinates of points spaced along the circumference of the canal casts were measured. A comparison of the sensitivity vectors determined in these experiments and the anatomical measures showed that the average difference between a sensitivity vector and its respective normal vector was 6.3 deg.

"Scientific peep show": the human body in contemporary science museums.

PubMed

Canadelli, Elena

2011-01-01

The essay focuses on the discourse about the human body developed by contemporary science museums with educational and instructive purposes directed at the general public. These museums aim mostly at mediating concepts such as health and prevention. The current scenario is linked with two examples of past museums: the popular anatomical museums which emerged during the 19th century and the health museums thrived between 1910 and 1940. On the museological path about the human body self-care we went from the emotionally involving anatomical Venuses to the inexpressive Transparent Man, from anatomical specimens of ill organs and deformed subjects to the mechanical and electronic models of the healthy body. Today the body is made transparent by the new medical diagnostics and by the latest discoveries of endoscopy. The way museums and science centers presently display the human body involves computers, 3D animation, digital technologies, hands-on models of large size human parts.

Anatomical Network Comparison of Human Upper and Lower, Newborn and Adult, and Normal and Abnormal Limbs, with Notes on Development, Pathology and Limb Serial Homology vs. Homoplasy

PubMed Central

Diogo, Rui; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Smith, Christopher; Boughner, Julia C.; Rasskin-Gutman, Diego

2015-01-01

How do the various anatomical parts (modules) of the animal body evolve into very different integrated forms (integration) yet still function properly without decreasing the individual’s survival? This long-standing question remains unanswered for multiple reasons, including lack of consensus about conceptual definitions and approaches, as well as a reasonable bias toward the study of hard tissues over soft tissues. A major difficulty concerns the non-trivial technical hurdles of addressing this problem, specifically the lack of quantitative tools to quantify and compare variation across multiple disparate anatomical parts and tissue types. In this paper we apply for the first time a powerful new quantitative tool, Anatomical Network Analysis (AnNA), to examine and compare in detail the musculoskeletal modularity and integration of normal and abnormal human upper and lower limbs. In contrast to other morphological methods, the strength of AnNA is that it allows efficient and direct empirical comparisons among body parts with even vastly different architectures (e.g. upper and lower limbs) and diverse or complex tissue composition (e.g. bones, cartilages and muscles), by quantifying the spatial organization of these parts—their topological patterns relative to each other—using tools borrowed from network theory. Our results reveal similarities between the skeletal networks of the normal newborn/adult upper limb vs. lower limb, with exception to the shoulder vs. pelvis. However, when muscles are included, the overall musculoskeletal network organization of the upper limb is strikingly different from that of the lower limb, particularly that of the more proximal structures of each limb. Importantly, the obtained data provide further evidence to be added to the vast amount of paleontological, gross anatomical, developmental, molecular and embryological data recently obtained that contradicts the long-standing dogma that the upper and lower limbs are serial homologues. In addition, the AnNA of the limbs of a trisomy 18 human fetus strongly supports Pere Alberch's ill-named "logic of monsters" hypothesis, and contradicts the commonly accepted idea that birth defects often lead to lower integration (i.e. more parcellation) of anatomical structures. PMID:26452269

Anatomical Network Comparison of Human Upper and Lower, Newborn and Adult, and Normal and Abnormal Limbs, with Notes on Development, Pathology and Limb Serial Homology vs. Homoplasy.

PubMed

Diogo, Rui; Esteve-Altava, Borja; Smith, Christopher; Boughner, Julia C; Rasskin-Gutman, Diego

2015-01-01

How do the various anatomical parts (modules) of the animal body evolve into very different integrated forms (integration) yet still function properly without decreasing the individual's survival? This long-standing question remains unanswered for multiple reasons, including lack of consensus about conceptual definitions and approaches, as well as a reasonable bias toward the study of hard tissues over soft tissues. A major difficulty concerns the non-trivial technical hurdles of addressing this problem, specifically the lack of quantitative tools to quantify and compare variation across multiple disparate anatomical parts and tissue types. In this paper we apply for the first time a powerful new quantitative tool, Anatomical Network Analysis (AnNA), to examine and compare in detail the musculoskeletal modularity and integration of normal and abnormal human upper and lower limbs. In contrast to other morphological methods, the strength of AnNA is that it allows efficient and direct empirical comparisons among body parts with even vastly different architectures (e.g. upper and lower limbs) and diverse or complex tissue composition (e.g. bones, cartilages and muscles), by quantifying the spatial organization of these parts-their topological patterns relative to each other-using tools borrowed from network theory. Our results reveal similarities between the skeletal networks of the normal newborn/adult upper limb vs. lower limb, with exception to the shoulder vs. pelvis. However, when muscles are included, the overall musculoskeletal network organization of the upper limb is strikingly different from that of the lower limb, particularly that of the more proximal structures of each limb. Importantly, the obtained data provide further evidence to be added to the vast amount of paleontological, gross anatomical, developmental, molecular and embryological data recently obtained that contradicts the long-standing dogma that the upper and lower limbs are serial homologues. In addition, the AnNA of the limbs of a trisomy 18 human fetus strongly supports Pere Alberch's ill-named "logic of monsters" hypothesis, and contradicts the commonly accepted idea that birth defects often lead to lower integration (i.e. more parcellation) of anatomical structures.

Systemic Review of Anatomic Single- Versus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Does Femoral Tunnel Drilling Technique Matter?

PubMed

Zhang, Yang; Xu, Caiqi; Dong, Shiqui; Shen, Peng; Su, Wei; Zhao, Jinzhong

2016-09-01

To provide an up-to-date assessment of the difference between anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (DB-ACLR) and anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction (SB-ACLR). We hypothesized that anatomic SB-ACLR using independent femoral drilling technique would be able to achieve kinematic stability as with anatomic DB-ACLR. A comprehensive Internet search was performed to identify all therapeutic trials of anatomic DB-ACLR versus anatomic SB-ACLR. Only clinical studies of Level I and II evidence were included. The comparative outcomes were instrument-measured anterior laxity, Lachman test, pivot shift, clinical outcomes including objective/subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale and complication rates of extension/flexion deficits, graft failure, and early osteoarthritis. Subgroup analyses were performed for femoral tunnel drilling techniques including independent drilling and transtibial (TT) drilling. Twenty-two clinical trials of 2,261 anatomically ACL-reconstructed patients were included in the meta-analysis. Via TT drilling technique, anatomic DB-ACLR led to improved instrument-measured anterior laxity with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.81 to -0.02), less rotational instability measured by pivot shift (SMD = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.24 to 6.16), and higher objective IKDC score with odds ratio (OR) of 2.28 (95% CI = 1.19 to 4.36). Via independent drilling technique, anatomic DB-ACLR yielded better pivot shift (SMD = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.36 to 3.05). Anatomic DB-ACLR also revealed statistical significance in subjective IKDC score compared with anatomic SB-ACLR (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.49). Anatomic DB-ACLR showed better anterior and rotational stability and higher objective IKDC score than anatomic SB-ACLR via TT drilling technique. Via independent drilling technique, however, anatomic DB-ACLR only showed superiority of rotational stability. All clinical function outcomes except subjective IKDC score were not significantly different between anatomic DB-ACLR and SB-ACLR. Level II, meta-analysis of Level I and II studies. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Digital preservation of anatomical variation: 3D-modeling of embalmed and plastinated cadaveric specimens using uCT and MRI.

PubMed

Moore, Colin W; Wilson, Timothy D; Rice, Charles L

2017-01-01

Anatomy educators have an opportunity to teach anatomical variations as a part of medical and allied health curricula using both cadaveric and three-dimensional (3D) digital models of these specimens. Beyond published cadaveric case reports, anatomical variations identified during routine gross anatomy dissection can be powerful teaching tools and a medium to discuss several anatomical sub-disciplines from embryology to medical imaging. The purpose of this study is to document how cadaveric anatomical variation identified during routine dissection can be scanned using medical imaging techniques to create two-dimensional axial images and interactive 3D models for teaching and learning of anatomical variations. Three cadaveric specimens (2 formalin embalmed, 1 plastinated) depicting anatomical variations and an embryological malformation were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and micro-computed tomography (μCT) for visualization in cross-section and for creation of 3D volumetric models. Results provide educational options to enable visualization and facilitate learning of anatomical variations from cross-sectional scans. Furthermore, the variations can be highlighted, digitized, modeled and manipulated using 3D imaging software and viewed in the anatomy laboratory in conjunction with traditional anatomical dissection. This study provides an example for anatomy educators to teach and describe anatomical variations in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Lifelike Vascular Reperfusion of a Thiel-Embalmed Pig Model and Evaluation as a Surgical Training Tool.

PubMed

Willaert, Wouter; Tozzi, Francesca; Van Hoof, Tom; Ceelen, Wim; Pattyn, Piet; D''Herde, Katharina

2016-01-01

Vascular reperfusion of Thiel cadavers can aid surgical and anatomical instruction. This study investigated whether ideal embalming circumstances provide lifelike vascular flow, enabling surgical practice and enhancing anatomical reality. Pressure-controlled pump-driven administration of blue embalming solution was assessed directly postmortem in a pig model (n = 4). Investigation of subsequent pump-driven vascular injection of red paraffinum perliquidum (PP) included assessment of flow parameters, intracorporeal distribution, anatomical alterations, and feasibility for surgical training. The microscopic distribution of PP was analyzed in pump-embalmed pig and gravity-embalmed human small intestines. Embalming lasted 50-105 min, and maximum arterial pressure was 65 mm Hg. During embalming, the following consecutive alterations were observed: arterial filling, organ coloration, venous perfusion, and further tissue coloration during the next weeks. Most organs were adequately preserved. PP generated low arterial pressures (<30 mm Hg) and drained through the venous cannula. Generally, realistic reperfusion and preservation of original anatomy were observed, but leakage in the pleural, abdominal, and retroperitoneal cavities occurred, and computed tomography showed edematous spleen and liver. Reduction of arterial flow rates after venous drainage is a prerequisite to prevent anatomical deformation, allowing simulation of various surgeries. In pump-embalmed pig small intestines, PP flowed from artery to vein through the capillaries without extravasation. In contrast, arterioles were blocked in gravity-embalmed human tissues. In a pig model, immediate postmortem pressure-controlled pump embalming generates ideal circumstances for (micro)vascular reperfusion with PP, permitting lifelike anatomy instruction and surgical training. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Posterior Rigid Instrumentation of C7: Surgical Considerations and Biomechanics at the Cervicothoracic Junction. A Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Bayoumi, Ahmed B; Efe, Ibrahim E; Berk, Selim; Kasper, Ekkehard M; Toktas, Zafer Orkun; Konya, Deniz

2018-03-01

The cervicothoracic junction is a challenging anatomic transition in spine surgery. It is commonly affected by different types of diseases that may significantly impair stability in this region. The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique anatomic features compared to subaxial cervical spine (C3 to C6). C7 has relatively broader laminae, larger pedicles, smaller lateral masses, and a long nonbifid spinous process. These features allow a variety of surgical methods for performing posterior rigid instrumentation in the form of different types of screws, such as lateral mass screws, pedicle screws, transfacet screws, and intralaminar screws. Many biomechanical studies on cadavers have evaluated and compared different types of implants at C7. We reviewed PubMed/Medline by using specific combinations of keywords to summarize previously published articles that examined C7 posterior rigid instrumentation thoroughly in an experimental fashion on patients or cadavers with additional descriptive radiologic parameters for evaluation of the optimum surgical technique for each type. A total of 44 articles were reported, including 22 articles that discussed anatomic considerations (entry points, sagittal and axial trajectories, and features of screws) and another 22 articles that discussed the relevant biomechanical testing at this transitional region if C7 was directly involved in terms of receiving posterior rigid implants. C7 can accommodate different types of screws, which can provide additional benefits and risks based on availability of bony purchase, awareness of surgical technique, biomechanics, and anatomic considerations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel femoral artery terminology: integrating anatomy and clinical procedures leading to standardized intuitive nomenclature.

PubMed

Benninger, Brion

2014-10-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the terminology of the femoral artery and recommended alternative terminology that satisfies both anatomy and clinical arenas.The femoral artery (FA) is often defined as the continuation of the external iliac artery. Specifically, when the external iliac artery reaches directly beneath the inguinal ligament, it becomes the FA. Currently, Terminologia Anatomica (TA) records the profunda femoris or deep femoral as a terminal branch. Clinicians often use superficial femoral artery (SFA) rather than FA and profunda or deep FA. SFA is actually very deep and well protected for most of its journey. On observation, the terminology in current use is not intuitive. The objective of this study was to investigate the terminology associated with the anatomical and clinical anatomical interpretations of the FA and its terminal branches and to suggest a more appropriate terminology that addresses the points of view of the macro anatomist, as well as that of the clinician. Literature search was conducted regarding the nomenclature of the FA and its terminal branches. Dissection of 89 embalmed cadavers (49F, 40M, ages 47-89) was conducted to analyze the morphology of the FA and its branches. Perusal of the literature revealed a difference in terminology between anatomical and clinical textbooks/atlases/journals regarding the FA and its terminal branch. Our dissections suggested that the FA may be better defined vis-à-vis its relationship to the anterior and posterior compartments of the thigh. A difference in terminology exists between the anatomical and clinical arenas. A need for a standardized terminology is necessary because clinicians and their publishers have not adopted TA. This study suggests that the current FA be considered the common FA and the continuation of the FA, the SFA be renamed the anterior FA and the current profunda (the deep FA) be renamed the posterior FA, respectively. The proposed terminology mirrors the lower limb anterior/posterior tibial artery terminology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of microgravity on vestibular ontogeny: direct physiological and anatomical measurements following space flight (STS-29)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, T. A.; Fermin, C.; Hester, P. Y.; Vellinger, J.

1993-01-01

Does space flight change gravity receptor development? The present study measured vestibular form and function in birds flown as embryos for 5 days in earth orbit (STS-29). No major changes in vestibular gross morphology were found. Vestibular response mean amplitudes and latencies were unaffected by space flight. However, the results of measuring vestibular thresholds were mixed and abnormal responses in 3 of the 8 flight animals raise important questions.

Functional relationships between wood structure and vulnerability to xylem cavitation in races of Eucalyptus globulus differing in wood density.

PubMed

Barotto, Antonio José; Monteoliva, Silvia; Gyenge, Javier; Martinez-Meier, Alejandro; Fernandez, María Elena

2018-02-01

Wood density can be considered as a measure of the internal wood structure, and it is usually used as a proxy measure of other mechanical and functional traits. Eucalyptus is one of the most important commercial forestry genera worldwide, but the relationship between wood density and vulnerability to cavitation in this genus has been little studied. The analysis is hampered by, among other things, its anatomical complexity, so it becomes necessary to address more complex techniques and analyses to elucidate the way in which the different anatomical elements are functionally integrated. In this study, vulnerability to cavitation in two races of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. with different wood density was evaluated through Path analysis, a multivariate method that allows evaluation of descriptive models of causal relationship between variables. A model relating anatomical variables with wood properties and functional parameters was proposed and tested. We found significant differences in wood basic density and vulnerability to cavitation between races. The main exogenous variables predicting vulnerability to cavitation were vessel hydraulic diameter and fibre wall fraction. Fibre wall fraction showed a direct impact on wood basic density and the slope of vulnerability curve, and an indirect and negative effect over the pressure imposing 50% of conductivity loss (P50) through them. Hydraulic diameter showed a direct negative effect on P50, but an indirect and positive influence over this variable through wood density on one hand, and through maximum hydraulic conductivity (ks max) and slope on the other. Our results highlight the complexity of the relationship between xylem efficiency and safety in species with solitary vessels such as Eucalyptus spp., with no evident compromise at the intraspecific level. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Is the treatment of the small saphenous veins with foam sclerotherapy at risk of deep vein thrombosis?

PubMed

Gillet, J L; Lausecker, M; Sica, M; Guedes, J M; Allaert, F A

2014-10-01

To assess the deep vein thrombosis risk of the treatment of the small saphenous veins depending on the anatomical pattern of the veins. A multicenter, prospective and controlled study was carried out in which small saphenous vein trunks were treated with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. The anatomical pattern (saphenopopliteal junction, perforators) was assessed by Duplex ultrasound before the treatment. All patients were systematically checked by Duplex ultrasound 8 to 30 days after the procedure to identify a potential deep vein thrombosis. Three hundred and thirty-one small saphenous veins were treated in 22 phlebology clinics. No proximal deep vein thrombosis occurred. Two (0.6%) medial gastrocnemius veins thrombosis occurred in symptomatic patients. Five medial gastrocnemius veins thrombosis and four cases of extension of the small saphenous vein sclerosis into the popliteal vein, which all occurred when the small saphenous vein connected directly into the popliteal vein, were identified by systematic Duplex ultrasound examination in asymptomatic patients. Medial gastrocnemius veins thrombosis were more frequent (p = 0.02) in patients with medial gastrocnemius veins perforator. A common outlet or channel between the small saphenous vein and the medial gastrocnemius veins did not increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy of the small saphenous vein are very rare. Only 0.6% medial gastrocnemius veins thrombosis occurred in symptomatic patients. However, the anatomical pattern of the small saphenous vein should be taken into account and patients with medial gastrocnemius veins perforators and the small saphenous vein connected directly into the popliteal vein should be checked by Duplex ultrasound one or two weeks after the procedure. Recommendations based on our everyday practice and the findings of this study are suggested to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis. © The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Finite Element Model of the Knee for Investigation of Injury Mechanisms: Development and Validation

PubMed Central

Kiapour, Ali; Kiapour, Ata M.; Kaul, Vikas; Quatman, Carmen E.; Wordeman, Samuel C.; Hewett, Timothy E.; Demetropoulos, Constantine K.; Goel, Vijay K.

2014-01-01

Multiple computational models have been developed to study knee biomechanics. However, the majority of these models are mainly validated against a limited range of loading conditions and/or do not include sufficient details of the critical anatomical structures within the joint. Due to the multifactorial dynamic nature of knee injuries, anatomic finite element (FE) models validated against multiple factors under a broad range of loading conditions are necessary. This study presents a validated FE model of the lower extremity with an anatomically accurate representation of the knee joint. The model was validated against tibiofemoral kinematics, ligaments strain/force, and articular cartilage pressure data measured directly from static, quasi-static, and dynamic cadaveric experiments. Strong correlations were observed between model predictions and experimental data (r > 0.8 and p < 0.0005 for all comparisons). FE predictions showed low deviations (root-mean-square (RMS) error) from average experimental data under all modes of static and quasi-static loading, falling within 2.5 deg of tibiofemoral rotation, 1% of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) strains, 17 N of ACL load, and 1 mm of tibiofemoral center of pressure. Similarly, the FE model was able to accurately predict tibiofemoral kinematics and ACL and MCL strains during simulated bipedal landings (dynamic loading). In addition to minimal deviation from direct cadaveric measurements, all model predictions fell within 95% confidence intervals of the average experimental data. Agreement between model predictions and experimental data demonstrates the ability of the developed model to predict the kinematics of the human knee joint as well as the complex, nonuniform stress and strain fields that occur in biological soft tissue. Such a model will facilitate the in-depth understanding of a multitude of potential knee injury mechanisms with special emphasis on ACL injury. PMID:24763546

Differences in the direction of change of cerebral function parameters are evident over three years in HIV-infected individuals electively commencing initial cART.

PubMed

Winston, Alan; Puls, Rebekah; Kerr, Stephen J; Duncombe, Chris; Li, Patrick; Gill, John M; Ramautarsing, Reshmie; Taylor-Robinson, Simon D; Emery, Sean; Cooper, David A

2015-01-01

Changes in cerebral metabolite ratios (CMR) measured on 1H-MRS and changes in cognitive function (CF) are described in subjects commencing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), although the dynamics of such changes are poorly understood. Neuroasymptomatic, HIV-infected subjects electively commencing cART were eligible. CMR were assessed in three anatomical voxels and CF assessed at baseline, week 48 and week 144. Overall differences in absolute change in CMRs and CF parameters between 0-48 and 48-144 weeks were assessed. Twenty-two subjects completed study procedures. Plasma HIV-RNA was <50 copies/mL in all at week 48 and in all, but two subjects at week 144. In general, between weeks 0-48 a rise in N-acetyl-aspartate(NAA)/Creatine(Cr) ratio and a decline in myo-Inositol(mI)/Cr ratio were observed. Between weeks 48-144, small rises in NAA/Cr ratio were observed in two anatomical voxels, whereas a rise in mI/Cr ratio was observed in all anatomical locations (0.31 (0.66) and -0.27 (1.35) between weeks 0-48 and 0.13 (0.91) and 1.13 (1.71) between weeks 48-144 for absolute changes in NAA/Cr and mI/Cr (SD) in frontal-grey voxel, respectively). Global CF score improved between weeks 0-48 and then declined between weeks 48-144 (0.63 (1.16) and -0.63 (0.1.41) for mean absolute change (SD) between weeks 0-48 and weeks 48-144, respectively). The direction of change of cerebral function parameters differs over time in HIV-infected subjects commencing cART, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up in such studies. The changes we have observed between weeks 48-144 may represent the initial development of cerebral toxicities from cART.

The Paravascular Pathway for Brain Waste Clearance: Current Understanding, Significance and Controversy

PubMed Central

Bacyinski, Andrew; Xu, Maosheng; Wang, Wei; Hu, Jiani

2017-01-01

The paravascular pathway, also known as the “glymphatic” pathway, is a recently described system for waste clearance in the brain. According to this model, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enters the paravascular spaces surrounding penetrating arteries of the brain, mixes with interstitial fluid (ISF) and solutes in the parenchyma, and exits along paravascular spaces of draining veins. Studies have shown that metabolic waste products and solutes, including proteins involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid-beta, may be cleared by this pathway. Consequently, a growing body of research has begun to explore the association between glymphatic dysfunction and various disease states. However, significant controversy exists in the literature regarding both the direction of waste clearance as well as the anatomical space in which the waste-fluid mixture is contained. Some studies have found no evidence of interstitial solute clearance along the paravascular space of veins. Rather, they demonstrate a perivascular pathway in which waste is cleared from the brain along an anatomically distinct perivascular space in a direction opposite to that of paravascular flow. Although possible explanations have been offered, none have been able to fully reconcile the discrepancies in the literature, and many questions remain. Given the therapeutic potential that a comprehensive understanding of brain waste clearance pathways might offer, further research and clarification is highly warranted. PMID:29163074

Heterogeneous relationships of squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin with smoking: the UK Million Women Study and meta-analysis of prospective studies.

PubMed

Pirie, Kirstin; Beral, Valerie; Heath, Alicia K; Green, Jane; Reeves, Gillian K; Peto, Richard; McBride, Penelope; Olsen, Catherine M; Green, Adèle C

2018-06-14

Published findings on the associations between smoking and the incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are inconsistent. We aimed to generate prospective evidence on these relationships overall and by anatomical site. We followed 1,223,626 women without prior cancer by electronic linkage to national cancer registration data. Questionnaire information about smoking and other factors was recorded at recruitment (1996-2001) and every 3-5 years subsequently. Cox regression yielded adjusted relative risks (RRs) comparing smokers versus never-smokers. After 14 (SD4) years follow-up per woman, 6699 had a first registered cutaneous SCC and 48,666 a first BCC. In current versus never-smokers, SCC incidence was increased (RR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.15-1.31) but BCC incidence was decreased (RR = 0.80, 0.78-0.82). RRs varied substantially by anatomical site; for the limbs, current smoking was associated with an increased incidence of SCC (1.55, 1.41-1.71) and a decreased incidence of BCC (0.72, 0.66-0.79), but for facial lesions there was little association of current smoking with either SCC (0.93, 0.82-1.06) or BCC (0.92, 0.88-0.96). Findings in meta-analyses of results from this and seven other prospective studies were largely dominated by the findings in this study. Smoking-associated risks for cutaneous SCC and BCC are in the opposite direction to each other and appear to vary by anatomical site.

Brain Anatomical Network and Intelligence

PubMed Central

Li, Jun; Qin, Wen; Li, Kuncheng; Yu, Chunshui; Jiang, Tianzi

2009-01-01

Intuitively, higher intelligence might be assumed to correspond to more efficient information transfer in the brain, but no direct evidence has been reported from the perspective of brain networks. In this study, we performed extensive analyses to test the hypothesis that individual differences in intelligence are associated with brain structural organization, and in particular that higher scores on intelligence tests are related to greater global efficiency of the brain anatomical network. We constructed binary and weighted brain anatomical networks in each of 79 healthy young adults utilizing diffusion tensor tractography and calculated topological properties of the networks using a graph theoretical method. Based on their IQ test scores, all subjects were divided into general and high intelligence groups and significantly higher global efficiencies were found in the networks of the latter group. Moreover, we showed significant correlations between IQ scores and network properties across all subjects while controlling for age and gender. Specifically, higher intelligence scores corresponded to a shorter characteristic path length and a higher global efficiency of the networks, indicating a more efficient parallel information transfer in the brain. The results were consistently observed not only in the binary but also in the weighted networks, which together provide convergent evidence for our hypothesis. Our findings suggest that the efficiency of brain structural organization may be an important biological basis for intelligence. PMID:19492086

Anatomical insights into the interaction of emotion and cognition in the prefrontal cortex

PubMed Central

Ray, Rebecca; Zald, David H.

2011-01-01

Ray, R. and D. Zald. Anatomical insights into the interaction of emotion and cognition in the prefrontal cortex. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 36(X) XXX-XXX, 2011. -Psychological research increasingly indicates that emotional processes interact with other aspects of cognition. Studies have demonstrated both the ability of emotional stimuli to influence a broad range of cognitive operations, and the ability of humans to use top-down cognitive control mechanisms to regulate emotional responses. Portions of the prefrontal cortex appear to play a significant role in these interactions. However, the manner in which these interactions are implemented remains only partially elucidated. In the present review we describe the anatomical connections between ventral and dorsal prefrontal areas as well as their connections with limbic regions. Only a subset of prefrontal areas are likely to directly influence amygdalar processing, and as such models of prefrontal control of emotions and models of emotional regulation should be constrained to plausible pathways of influence. We also focus on how the specific pattern of feedforward and feedback connections between these regions may dictate the nature of information flow between ventral and dorsal prefrontal areas and the amygdala. These patterns of connections are inconsistent with several commonly expressed assumptions about the nature of communications between emotion and cognition. PMID:21889953

Studying depression using imaging and machine learning methods.

PubMed

Patel, Meenal J; Khalaf, Alexander; Aizenstein, Howard J

2016-01-01

Depression is a complex clinical entity that can pose challenges for clinicians regarding both accurate diagnosis and effective timely treatment. These challenges have prompted the development of multiple machine learning methods to help improve the management of this disease. These methods utilize anatomical and physiological data acquired from neuroimaging to create models that can identify depressed patients vs. non-depressed patients and predict treatment outcomes. This article (1) presents a background on depression, imaging, and machine learning methodologies; (2) reviews methodologies of past studies that have used imaging and machine learning to study depression; and (3) suggests directions for future depression-related studies.

TU-CD-207-05: A Novel Digital Tomosynthesis System Using Orthogonal Scanning Technique: A Feasibility Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, J; Park, C; Kauweloa, K

2015-06-15

Purpose: As an alternative to full tomographic imaging technique such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), there is growing interest to adopt digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for the use of diagnostic as well as therapeutic applications. The aim of this study is to propose a new DTS system using novel orthogonal scanning technique, which can provide superior image quality DTS images compared to the conventional DTS scanning system. Methods: Unlike conventional DTS scanning system, the proposed DTS is reconstructed with two sets of orthogonal patient scans. 1) X-ray projections that are acquired along transverse trajectory and 2) an additional sets of X-raymore » projections acquired along the vertical direction at the mid angle of the previous transverse scan. To reconstruct DTS, we have used modified filtered backprojection technique to account for the different scanning directions of each projection set. We have evaluated the performance of our method using numerical planning CT data of liver cancer patient and a physical pelvis phantom experiment. The results were compared with conventional DTS techniques with single transverse and vertical scanning. Results: The experiments on both numerical simulation as well as physical experiment showed that the resolution as well as contrast of anatomical structures was much clearer using our method. Specifically, the image quality comparing with transversely scanned DTS showed that the edge and contrast of anatomical structures along Left-Right (LR) directions was comparable however, considerable discrepancy and enhancement could be observed along Superior-Inferior (SI) direction using our method. The opposite was observed when vertically scanned DTS was compared. Conclusion: In this study, we propose a novel DTS system using orthogonal scanning technique. The results indicated that the image quality of our novel DTS system was superior compared to conventional DTS system. This makes our DTS system potentially useful in various on-line clinical applications.« less

Is the female G-spot truly a distinct anatomic entity?

PubMed

Kilchevsky, Amichai; Vardi, Yoram; Lowenstein, Lior; Gruenwald, Ilan

2012-03-01

The existence of an anatomically distinct female G-spot is controversial. Reports in the public media would lead one to believe the G-spot is a well-characterized entity capable of providing extreme sexual stimulation, yet this is far from the truth. The aim of this article was to provide an overview of the evidence both supporting and refuting the existence of an anatomically distinct female G-spot. PubMed search for articles published between 1950 and 2011 using key words "G-spot," "Grafenberg spot," "vaginal innervation," "female orgasm," "female erogenous zone," and "female ejaculation." Clinical trials, meeting abstracts, case reports, and review articles that were written in English and published in a peer-reviewed journal were selected for analysis. The main outcome measure of this article was to assess any valid objective data in the literature that scientifically evaluates the existence of an anatomically distinct G-spot. The literature cites dozens of trials that have attempted to confirm the existence of a G-spot using surveys, pathologic specimens, various imaging modalities, and biochemical markers. The surveys found that a majority of women believe a G-spot actually exists, although not all of the women who believed in it were able to locate it. Attempts to characterize vaginal innervation have shown some differences in nerve distribution across the vagina, although the findings have not proven to be universally reproducible. Furthermore, radiographic studies have been unable to demonstrate a unique entity, other than the clitoris, whose direct stimulation leads to vaginal orgasm. Objective measures have failed to provide strong and consistent evidence for the existence of an anatomical site that could be related to the famed G-spot. However, reliable reports and anecdotal testimonials of the existence of a highly sensitive area in the distal anterior vaginal wall raise the question of whether enough investigative modalities have been implemented in the search of the G-spot. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Relationship of the lumbar plexus branches to the lumbar spine: anatomical study with application to lateral approaches.

PubMed

Tubbs, Richard Isaiah; Gabel, Brandon; Jeyamohan, Shiveindra; Moisi, Marc; Chapman, Jens R; Hanscom, R David; Loukas, Marios; Oskouian, Rod J; Tubbs, Richard Shane

2017-07-01

Injuries to the lumbar plexus during lateral approaches to the spine are not uncommon and may result in permanent deficits. However, the literature contains few studies that provide landmarks for avoiding the branches of the lumbar plexus. The present anatomical study was performed to elucidate the course of these nerves in relation to lateral approaches to the lumbar spine. This is a quantitative anatomical cadaveric study. The lumbar plexus and its branches were dissected on 12 cadaveric sides. Metal wires were laid on the nerves along their paths on the posterior abdominal wall. Fluoroscopy was performed in the anteroposterior and lateral positions. The relationships between regional bony landmarks and the branches of the lumbar plexus were observed. When viewed laterally, the greatest concentration of nerves occurred from the posteroinferior aspect of L4, inferior along the posterior one-third of the body of L5, then at the level of the sacral promontory. On the basis of our study, approaches to the anterior two-thirds of the L4 vertebra and anterior third of L5 will result in the lowest chance of lumbar plexus nerve injury. In addition, lateral muscle dissection through the psoas major should be in a superior to inferior direction in order to minimize nerve injury. Laterally, the widest corridor between branches in the abdominal wall was between the subcostal and iliohypogastric nerves. The findings of our cadaveric study provide surgeons who approach the lateral lumbar spine with data that could decrease injuries to the branches of the lumbar plexus, thus lessening patient morbidity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Greek language: analysis of the cardiologic anatomical etymology: past and present.

PubMed

Bezas, Georges; Werneck, Alexandre Lins

2012-01-01

The Greek language, the root of most Latin anatomical terms, is deeply present in the Anatomical Terminology. Many studies seek to analyze etymologically the terms stemming from the Greek words. In most of these studies, the terms appear defined according to the etymological understanding of the respective authors at the time of its creation. Therefore, it is possible that the terms currently used are not consistent with its origin in ancient Greek words. We selected cardiologic anatomical terms derived from Greek words, which are included in the International Anatomical Terminology. We performed an etymological analysis using the Greek roots present in the earliest terms. We compared the cardiologic anatomical terms currently used in Greece and Brazil to the Greek roots originating from the ancient Greek language. We used morphological decomposition of Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes. We also verified their use on the same lexicons and texts from the ancient Greek language. We provided a list comprising 30 cardiologic anatomical terms that have their origins in ancient Greek as well as their component parts in the International Anatomical Terminology. We included the terms in the way they were standardized in Portuguese, English, and Modern Greek as well as the roots of the ancient Greek words that originated them. Many works deal with the true origin of words (etymology) but most of them neither returns to the earliest roots nor relate them to their use in texts of ancient Greek language. By comparing the world's greatest studies on the etymology of Greek words, this paper tries to clarify the differences between the true origin of the Greek anatomical terms as well as the origins of the cardiologic anatomical terms more accepted today in Brazil by health professionals.

The influence of the final cause doctrine on anatomists of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries concerning selected anatomical structures of the head and neck.

PubMed

Lydiatt, Daniel D; Bucher, Gregory S

2012-09-01

The Doctrine of Final Cause, taken from Aristotle's "causes" and modified by Claudius (Aelius) Galen (of Pergamon) stated that for an anatomical part to exist it must have a "cause," not an end point, but a purpose or goal, natural or divine. This affected the renaissance anatomist's thinking. We explore this doctrine's relationship with human head and neck anatomy from antiquity's Aristotle and Galen, and the leading renaissance anatomists from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their relevant writings were influenced by religious and political beliefs and varied from humanistic to reactionary. Tracing anatomical controversies through these works reveal the humanism of Vesalius and others as paralleling the humanists of art and literature. These controversies illustrate how the body was used to demonstrate function, uses, and causes from higher sources. Humanists advanced the social, philosophical, intellectual, literary, and medical/anatomical thoughts of this period. They stood between the Christian church of the Middle Ages and modern science. Like religion, medicine and anatomy had its own revealed sources of knowledge and had sacred texts like Galen's. Vesalius' the Fabrica and the woodcuts established suddenly the beginning of modern observational science and art as the direct and faithful representation of natural phenomena. They displayed anatomy such that others could understand, including errors of Galen, bringing Vesalius into ecclesiastical conflict. Evolutionary scientists today see mutations as favorable or unfavorable depending on the environment. Mutations are random or directed by divine plan, according to perspectives of this ancient debate. Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Brain Morphometry Using Anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bansal, Ravi; Gerber, Andrew J.; Peterson, Bradley S.

2008-01-01

The efficacy of anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in studying the morphological features of various regions of the brain is described, also providing the steps used in the processing and studying of the images. The ability to correlate these features with several clinical and psychological measures can help in using anatomical MRI to…

Anatomical landmark asymmetry assessment in the lumbar spine and pelvis: a review of reliability.

PubMed

Stovall, Bradley Alan; Kumar, Shrawan

2010-01-01

The purpose of this article is to review current research investigating the reliability of bony anatomical landmark positional asymmetry assessment in the lumbar spine and pelvis, to determine the agreement on findings between authors, and to explore future directions in the area to address the significant issues. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, MANTIS, Academic Search Complete, and Web of Knowledge were searched. A total of 23 articles were identified and reviewed, 10 of which met the inclusion criteria. For these 10 articles, the average interexaminer reliability for bony anatomical landmark positional asymmetry assessment was slightly above chance for all landmarks except medial malleolus, which had fair reliability. Interexaminer reliability on average was less than intraexaminer reliability (anterior superior iliac spine, k = 0.128/0.414; posterior superior iliac spine, k = 0.092/0.371). All interexaminer reliability averages were below values of clinical significance. From the current literature review, bony anatomical landmark positional asymmetry assessment in the lumbar spine and pelvis has not been demonstrated to be a reliable assessment method. However, there are unexplored factors that, after standardization, may improve reliability and further the understanding of musculoskeletal palpatory examination.

Vascular patterns in the heads of crocodilians: blood vessels and sites of thermal exchange.

PubMed

Porter, William Ruger; Sedlmayr, Jayc C; Witmer, Lawrence M

2016-12-01

Extant crocodilians are a highly apomorphic archosaur clade that is ectothermic, yet often achieve large body sizes that can be subject to higher heat loads. Therefore, the anatomical and physiological roles that blood vessels play in crocodilian thermoregulation need further investigation to better understand how crocodilians establish and maintain cephalic temperatures and regulate neurosensory tissue temperatures during basking and normal activities. The cephalic vascular anatomy of extant crocodilians, particularly American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) was investigated using a differential-contrast, dual-vascular injection technique and high resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). Blood vessels were digitally isolated to create representations of vascular pathways. The specimens were then dissected to confirm CT results. Sites of thermal exchange, consisting of the oral, nasal, and orbital regions, were given special attention due to their role in evaporative cooling and cephalic thermoregulation in other diapsids. Blood vessels to and from sites of thermal exchange were studied to detect conserved vascular patterns and to assess their ability to deliver cooled blood to neurosensory tissues. Within the orbital region, both the arteries and veins demonstrated consistent branching patterns, with the supraorbital, infraorbital, and ophthalmotemporal vessels supplying and draining the orbit. The venous drainage of the orbital region showed connections to the dural sinuses via the orbital veins and cavernous sinus. The palatal region demonstrated a vast plexus that comprised both arteries and veins. The most direct route of venous drainage of the palatal plexus was through the palatomaxillary veins, essentially bypassing neurosensory tissues. Anastomotic connections with the nasal region, however, may provide an alternative route for palatal venous blood to reach neurosensory tissues. The nasal region in crocodilians is probably the most prominent site of thermal exchange, as it offers a substantial surface area and is completely surrounded by blood vessels. The venous drainage routes from the nasal region offer routes directly to the dural venous sinuses and the orbit, offering evidence of the potential to directly affect neurosensory tissue temperatures. The evolutionary history of crocodilians is complex, with large-bodied, terrestrial, and possibly endothermic taxa that may have had to deal with thermal loads that likely provided the anatomical building-blocks for such an extensive vascularization of sites of thermal exchange. A clear understanding of the physiological abilities and the role of blood vessels in the thermoregulation of crocodilians neurosensory tissues is not available but vascular anatomical patterns of crocodilian sites of thermal exchange indicate possible physiological abilities that may be more sophisticated than in other extant diapsids. © 2016 Anatomical Society.

Disease concepts and treatment by tribal healers of an Amazonian forest culture.

PubMed

Herndon, Christopher N; Uiterloo, Melvin; Uremaru, Amasina; Plotkin, Mark J; Emanuels-Smith, Gwendolyn; Jitan, Jeetendra

2009-10-12

The extensive medicinal plant knowledge of Amazonian tribal peoples is widely recognized in the scientific literature and celebrated in popular lore. Despite this broad interest, the ethnomedical systems and knowledge of disease which guide indigenous utilization of botanical diversity for healing remain poorly characterized and understood. No study, to our knowledge, has attempted to directly examine patterns of actual disease recognition and treatment by healers of an Amazonian indigenous culture. The establishment of traditional medicine clinics, operated and directed by elder tribal shamans in two remote Trio villages of the Suriname rainforest, presented a unique investigational opportunity. Quantitative analysis of clinic records from both villages permitted examination of diseases treated over a continuous period of four years. Cross-cultural comparative translations were articulated of recorded disease conditions through ethnographic interviews of elder Trio shamans and a comprehensive atlas of indigenous anatomical nomenclature was developed. 20,337 patient visits within the period 2000 to 2004 were analyzed. 75 disease conditions and 127 anatomical terms are presented. Trio concepts of disease and medical practices are broadly examined within the present and historical state of their culture. The findings of this investigation support the presence of a comprehensive and highly formalized ethnomedical institution within Trio culture with attendant health policy and conservation implications.

Disease concepts and treatment by tribal healers of an Amazonian forest culture

PubMed Central

Herndon, Christopher N; Uiterloo, Melvin; Uremaru, Amasina; Plotkin, Mark J; Emanuels-Smith, Gwendolyn; Jitan, Jeetendra

2009-01-01

Background The extensive medicinal plant knowledge of Amazonian tribal peoples is widely recognized in the scientific literature and celebrated in popular lore. Despite this broad interest, the ethnomedical systems and knowledge of disease which guide indigenous utilization of botanical diversity for healing remain poorly characterized and understood. No study, to our knowledge, has attempted to directly examine patterns of actual disease recognition and treatment by healers of an Amazonian indigenous culture. Methods The establishment of traditional medicine clinics, operated and directed by elder tribal shamans in two remote Trio villages of the Suriname rainforest, presented a unique investigational opportunity. Quantitative analysis of clinic records from both villages permitted examination of diseases treated over a continuous period of four years. Cross-cultural comparative translations were articulated of recorded disease conditions through ethnographic interviews of elder Trio shamans and a comprehensive atlas of indigenous anatomical nomenclature was developed. Results 20,337 patient visits within the period 2000 to 2004 were analyzed. 75 disease conditions and 127 anatomical terms are presented. Trio concepts of disease and medical practices are broadly examined within the present and historical state of their culture. Conclusion The findings of this investigation support the presence of a comprehensive and highly formalized ethnomedical institution within Trio culture with attendant health policy and conservation implications. PMID:19821968

Sinonasal anatomical variations: their relationship with chronic rhinosinusitis and effect on the severity of disease-a computerized tomography assisted anatomical and clinical study.

PubMed

Kaygusuz, Ahmet; Haksever, Mehmet; Akduman, Davut; Aslan, Sündüs; Sayar, Zeynep

2014-09-01

The anatomy of the sinonasal area has a very wide rage of anatomical variations. The significance of these anatomical variations in pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis, which is the commonest disease in the region, is still unclear. The aims of the study were to compare the rate of sinonasal anatomical variations with development and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis patients. CT scan of paranasal sinuses images of 99 individuals were retrospectively reviewed. 65 cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (study group) who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery were compared with 34 cases without chronic rhinosinusitis (control group). Also in study group Lund-Mackay score of the sinus disease were calculated and compared to the rate of related anatomical variations. There were 74 (74.7 %) males and 25 (25.2 %) females with ages ranging from 13 to 70 years (mean 32.2 years). The anatomical variations recorded were: Septal deviation 47 (72.3) in study and 25 (73.5 %) in control group, concha bullosa 27 (41.5 %) in study and 18 (52.9 %) in control group, overpneumatized ethmoid bulla 17 (26.1 %) in study and 14 (41.1 %) in control group, pneumatized uncinate 3 (4.6 %) in study and 3 (8.8 %) in control group, agger nasi 42 (64.6 %) in study and 19 (55.8 %) in control group, paradoxical middle turbinates 9 (13.8 %) in study and 4 (11.7 %) in control group, Onodi cell 6 (9.2 %) in study and 2 (5.8 %) in control group, Haller's cells (infraorbital ethmoid cell) 9 (13.8 %) in study and 7 (20.5 %) in control group. None of these results were statistically significant between study and control group (p > 0.05). Lund-Mackay score (which was assumed to show the severity of the disease) of the maxillary, ethmoid and frontal sinus were calculated and compared to rate of septal deviation, concha bullosa, agger nasi cells. No significant correlation was conducted (p > 0.05). The results of study showed no statistically significant correlation between sinonasal anatomical variations and pathologies of the paranasal sinus. Also these anatomical variations did not increase the severity of pre-existing sinusitis significantly. This is a retrospective cohort study (2b).

How useful is YouTube in learning heart anatomy?

PubMed

Raikos, Athanasios; Waidyasekara, Pasan

2014-01-01

Nowadays more and more modern medical degree programs focus on self-directed and problem-based learning. That requires students to search for high quality and easy to retrieve online resources. YouTube is an emerging platform for learning human anatomy due to easy access and being a free service. The purpose of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the available human heart anatomy videos on YouTube. Using the search engine of the platform we searched for relevant videos using various keywords. Videos with irrelevant content, animal tissue, non-English language, no sound, duplicates, and physiology focused were excluded from further elaboration. The initial search retrieved 55,525 videos, whereas only 294 qualified for further analysis. A unique scoring system was used to assess the anatomical quality and details, general quality, and the general data for each video. Our results indicate that the human heart anatomy videos available on YouTube conveyed our anatomical criteria poorly, whereas the general quality scoring found borderline. Students should be selective when looking up on public video databases as it can prove challenging, time consuming, and the anatomical information may be misleading due to absence of content review. Anatomists and institutions are encouraged to prepare and endorse good quality material and make them available online for the students. The scoring rubric used in the study comprises a valuable tool to faculty members for quality evaluation of heart anatomy videos available on social media platforms. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.

Importance Rat Liver Morphology and Vasculature in Surgical Research.

PubMed

Vdoviaková, Katarína; Vdoviaková, Katarína; Petrovová, Eva; Krešáková, Lenka; Maloveská, Marcela; Teleky, Jana; Jenčová, Janka; Živčák, Jozef; Jenča, Andrej

2016-12-02

BACKGROUND The laboratory rat is one of the most popular experimental models for the experimental surgery of the liver. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphometric parameters, physiological data, differences in configuration of liver lobes, biliary system, and vasculature (arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels) of the liver in laboratory rats. In addition, this study supports the anatomic literature and identified similarities and differences with human and other mammals. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty laboratory rats were dissected to prepare corrosion casts of vascular system specimens (n=20), determine the lymph vessels and lymph nodes (n=10), and for macroscopic anatomical dissection (n=10) of the rat liver. The results are listed in percentages. The anatomical nomenclature of the liver morphology, its arteries, veins, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels are in accordance with Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. RESULTS We found many variations in origin, direction, and division of the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems in rat livers, and found differences in morphometric parameters compared to results reported by other authors. The portal vein was formed by 4 tributaries in 23%, by 3 branches in 64%, and by 2 tributaries in 13%. The liver lymph was drained to the 2 different lymph nodes. The nomenclature and morphological characteristics of the rat liver vary among authors. CONCLUSIONS Our results may be useful for the planing of experimental surgery and for cooperation with other investigation methods to help fight liver diseases in human populations.

Importance Rat Liver Morphology and Vasculature in Surgical Research

PubMed Central

Vdoviaková, Katarína; Petrovová, Eva; Krešáková, Lenka; Maloveská, Marcela; Teleky, Jana; Jenčová, Janka; Živčák, Jozef; Jenča, Andrej

2016-01-01

Background The laboratory rat is one of the most popular experimental models for the experimental surgery of the liver. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphometric parameters, physiological data, differences in configuration of liver lobes, biliary system, and vasculature (arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels) of the liver in laboratory rats. In addition, this study supports the anatomic literature and identified similarities and differences with human and other mammals. Material/Methods Forty laboratory rats were dissected to prepare corrosion casts of vascular system specimens (n=20), determine the lymph vessels and lymph nodes (n=10), and for macroscopic anatomical dissection (n=10) of the rat liver. The results are listed in percentages. The anatomical nomenclature of the liver morphology, its arteries, veins, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels are in accordance with Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. Results We found many variations in origin, direction, and division of the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems in rat livers, and found differences in morphometric parameters compared to results reported by other authors. The portal vein was formed by 4 tributaries in 23%, by 3 branches in 64%, and by 2 tributaries in 13%. The liver lymph was drained to the 2 different lymph nodes. The nomenclature and morphological characteristics of the rat liver vary among authors. Conclusions Our results may be useful for the planing of experimental surgery and for cooperation with other investigation methods to help fight liver diseases in human populations. PMID:27911356

The Science and Politics of Naming: Reforming Anatomical Nomenclature, ca. 1886-1955.

PubMed

Buklijas, Tatjana

2017-04-01

Anatomical nomenclature is medicine's official language. Early in their medical studies, students are expected to memorize not only the bodily geography but also the names for all the structures that, by consensus, constitute the anatomical body. The making and uses of visual maps of the body have received considerable historiographical attention, yet the history of production, communication, and reception of anatomical names-a history as long as the history of anatomy itself-has been studied far less. My essay examines the reforms of anatomical naming between the first modern nomenclature, the 1895 Basel Nomina Anatomica (BNA), and the 1955 Nomina Anatomica Parisiensia (NAP, also known as PNA), which is the basis for current anatomical terminology. I focus on the controversial and ultimately failed attempt to reform anatomical nomenclature, known as Jena Nomina Anatomica (INA), of 1935. Discussions around nomenclature reveal not only how anatomical names are made and communicated, but also the relationship of anatomy with the clinic; disciplinary controversies within anatomy; national traditions in science; and the interplay between international and scientific disciplinary politics. I show how the current anatomical nomenclature, a successor to the NAP, is an outcome of both political and disciplinary tensions that reached their peak before 1945. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Atlas instrumentation guided by the medial edge of the posterior arch: An anatomic and radiologic study.

PubMed

Al-Habib, Amro F; Al-Rabie, Abdulkarim; Aleissa, Sami; Albakr, Abdulrahman; Abobotain, Abdulaziz

2017-01-01

This was an interventional human cadaver study and radiological study. Atlas instrumentation is frequently involved in fusion procedures involving the craniocervical junction area. Identification of the entry point at the center of atlas lateral mass (ALM) is challenging because of its rounded posterior surface and the surrounding venous plexus. This report examines using the medial edge of atlas posterior arch (MEC1) as a fixed and reliable anatomic reference to guide the entry point of ALM screws. Fifty, normal, cervical spine computed tomography studies were reviewed. ALM screw trajectories were planned at one point along MEC1 and another point 2 mm lateral to MEC1. Free-hand ALM instrumentation was performed in ten fresh human cadavers using the 2 mm entry point, with a sagittal trajectory parallel to atlas inferior arch (IAC1); three-dimensional imaging was then performed to confirm instrumentation accuracy. The average ALM diameter was 12.35 mm. Inserting a screw using the entry point 2 mm lateral to MEC1 was closer to ALM midpoint than using the entry point along MEC1 ( P < 0.0001). Twenty ALM screws were successfully inserted in the ten cadavers. No encroachments into the spinal canal or foramen transversarium occurred. However, two screws were superiorly directed and violated the occipitocervical joint; they were not parallel to IAC1. MEC1 provides a fixed and reliable landmark for ALM instrumentation. An entry point 2 mm point lateral to MEC1 is close to ALM midpoint. IAC1 also provides a guide for the sagittal trajectory. Attention to anatomic landmarks may help reduce complications associated with atlas instrumentation but should be verified in future clinical studies.

Implantable centrifugal blood pump with dual impeller and double pivot bearing system: electromechanical actuator, prototyping, and anatomical studies.

PubMed

Bock, Eduardo; Antunes, Pedro; Leao, Tarcisio; Uebelhart, Beatriz; Fonseca, Jeison; Leme, Juliana; Utiyama, Bruno; da Silva, Cibele; Cavalheiro, Andre; Filho, Diolino Santos; Dinkhuysen, Jarbas; Biscegli, Jose; Andrade, Aron; Arruda, Celso

2011-05-01

An implantable centrifugal blood pump has been developed with original features for a left ventricular assist device. This pump is part of a multicenter and international study with the objective to offer simple, affordable, and reliable devices to developing countries. Previous computational fluid dynamics investigations and wear evaluation in bearing system were performed followed by prototyping and in vitro tests. In addition, previous blood tests for assessment of normalized index of hemolysis show results of 0.0054±2.46 × 10⁻³ mg/100 L. An electromechanical actuator was tested in order to define the best motor topology and controller configuration. Three different topologies of brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) were analyzed. An electronic driver was tested in different situations, and the BLDCM had its mechanical properties tested in a dynamometer. Prior to evaluation of performance during in vivo animal studies, anatomical studies were necessary to achieve the best configuration and cannulation for left ventricular assistance. The results were considered satisfactory, and the next step is to test the performance of the device in vivo. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preliminary Study on Appearance-Based Detection of Anatomical Point Landmarks in Body Trunk CT Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemoto, Mitsutaka; Nomura, Yukihiro; Hanaoka, Shohei; Masutani, Yoshitaka; Yoshikawa, Takeharu; Hayashi, Naoto; Yoshioka, Naoki; Ohtomo, Kuni

Anatomical point landmarks as most primitive anatomical knowledge are useful for medical image understanding. In this study, we propose a detection method for anatomical point landmark based on appearance models, which include gray-level statistical variations at point landmarks and their surrounding area. The models are built based on results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of sample data sets. In addition, we employed generative learning method by transforming ROI of sample data. In this study, we evaluated our method with 24 data sets of body trunk CT images and obtained 95.8 ± 7.3 % of the average sensitivity in 28 landmarks.

Human body preservation – old and new techniques

PubMed Central

Brenner, Erich

2014-01-01

This review deals with the art of (anatomical) embalming. The first part contains a brief historical review of the history of embalming, starting with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the lesser known Chinchorro culture, then going down the centuries and describing the anatomical techniques developed over the last two centuries. The second part deals in detail with the chemicals used for embalming purposes. The third part deals with several approaches to evaluating embalming methods, their suitability for biomechanical testing, antimicrobial properties, histological appearance, and usability. The fourth and final part analyze the European Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) in the light of embalming. PMID:24438435

Medial gastrocnemius myoelectric control of a robotic ankle exoskeleton.

PubMed

Kinnaird, Catherine R; Ferris, Daniel P

2009-02-01

A previous study from our laboratory showed that when soleus electromyography was used to control the amount of plantar flexion assistance from a robotic ankle exoskeleton, subjects significantly reduced their soleus activity to quickly return to normal gait kinematics. We speculated that subjects were primarily responding to the local mechanical assistance of the exoskeleton rather than directly attempting to reduce exoskeleton mechanical power via decreases in soleus activity. To test this observation we studied ten healthy subjects walking on a treadmill at 1.25 m/s while wearing a robotic exoskeleton proportionally controlled by medial gastrocnemius activation. We hypothesized that subjects would primarily decrease soleus activity due to its synergistic mechanics with the exoskeleton. Subjects decreased medial gastrocnemius recruitment by 12% ( p < 0.05 ) but decreased soleus recruitment by 27% ( p < 0.05). In agreement with our hypothesis, the primary reduction in muscle activity was not for the control muscle (medial gastrocnemius) but for the anatomical synergist to the exoskeleton (soleus). These findings indicate that anatomical morphology needs to be considered carefully when designing software and hardware for robotic exoskeletons.

Defining the spatial relationships between eight anatomic planes in the 11+6 to 13+6 weeks fetus: a pilot study.

PubMed

Abu-Rustum, Reem S; Ziade, M Fouad; Abu-Rustum, Sameer E

2012-09-01

Our study aims at investigating the spatial relationships between eight anatomic planes in the 11+6 to 13+6 weeks fetus. This is a retrospective pilot study where three-dimensional and four-dimensional stored data sets were manipulated to retrieve eight anatomic planes starting from the midsagittal plane of the fetus. Standardization of volumes was performed at the level of the transverse abdominal circumference plane. Parallel shift was utilized and the spatial relationships between eight anatomic planes were established. The median and the range were calculated for each of the planes, and they were evaluated as a function of the fetal crown-rump length. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 63 volume data sets were analyzed. The eight anatomic planes were found to adhere to normal distribution curves, and most of the planes were in a definable relationship to each other with statistically significant correlations. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the possible spatial relationships between eight two-dimensional anatomic planes in the 11+6 to 13+6 weeks fetus, utilizing a standardized approach. Defining these spatial relationships may serve as the first step for the potential future development of automation software for fetal anatomic assessment at 11+6 to 13+6 weeks. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Neuronal connections of direct and indirect pathways for stable value memory in caudal basal ganglia.

PubMed

Amita, Hidetoshi; Kim, Hyoung F; Smith, Mitchell; Gopal, Atul; Hikosaka, Okihide

2018-05-08

Direct and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia work together for controlling behavior. However, it is still a controversial topic whether these pathways are segregated or merged with each other. To address this issue, we studied the connections of these two pathways in the caudal parts of the basal ganglia of rhesus monkeys using anatomical tracers. Our previous studies showed that the caudal basal ganglia control saccades by conveying long-term values (stable values) of many visual objects toward the superior colliculus. In experiment 1, we injected a tracer in the caudate tail (CDt), and found local dense plexuses of axon terminals in the caudal-dorsal-lateral part of substantia nigra pars reticulata (cdlSNr) and the caudal-ventral part of globus pallidus externus (cvGPe). These anterograde projections may correspond to the direct and indirect pathways, respectively. To verify this in experiment 2, we injected different tracers into cdlSNr and cvGPe, and found many retrogradely labeled neurons in CDt and, in addition, the caudal-ventral part of the putamen (cvPut). These cdlSNr-projecting and cvGPe-projecting neurons were found intermingled in both CDt and cvPut (which we call 'striatum tail'). A small but significant proportion of neurons (< 15%) were double-labeled, indicating that they projected to both cdlSNr and cvGPe. These anatomical results suggest that stable value signals (good vs. bad) are sent from the striatum tail to cdlSNr and cvGPe in a biased (but not exclusive) manner. These connections may play an important role in biasing saccades toward higher-valued objects and away from lower-valued objects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Herd outbreak of bovine tuberculosis illustrates that route of infection correlates with anatomic distribution of lesions in cattle and cats.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Scott D; Hollinger, Charlotte; Mullaney, Thomas P; Bruning-Fann, Colleen S; Tilden, John; Smith, Rick; Averill, James; Kaneene, John B

2016-03-01

An outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a Michigan dairy herd resulted in quarantine, depopulation, pathology, and epidemiologic investigations. This herd, compared to other TB-infected herds in Michigan, was unusual in the long-term feeding of waste milk to its replacement calves. The herd had 80 cattle with positive results on caudal fold test or gamma interferon testing, which were reclassified as suspects because the herd had never been known to be tuberculous previously. Autopsy revealed striking variation in the anatomic distribution of gross anatomic lesions, microscopic lesions, and culture-positive lymph nodes between the adult cattle, the calves, and the domestic cats present on the farm. Adult cattle had lesions and culture-positive lymph nodes predominantly within the thoracic lymph nodes, whereas cats had 50% of their lesions and culture-positive lymph nodes in their abdomens, and 50% of positive calves had culture-positive lymph nodes in their abdomens. This difference in anatomic distribution correlated with the likely routes of infection, which are believed to be by direct airborne transmission in adult cattle and indirect ingestion of contaminated milk in both calves and cats. Although TB literature over the past 100-plus years states that the route of infection may manifest itself in differences in lesion anatomic distribution, our team has been working with TB for over 20 years, and we have never encountered such striking variation between different groups of animals on the same farm. © 2016 The Author(s).

Immediate direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using anatomical implants.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Eun; Jung, Dong-Woo; Chung, Kyu-Jin; Lee, Jun Ho; Kim, Tae Gon; Kim, Yong-Ha; Lee, Soo Jung; Kang, Su Hwan; Choi, Jung Eun

2014-09-01

In 2012, a new anatomic breast implant of form-stable silicone gel was introduced onto the Korean market. The intended use of this implant is in the area of aesthetic breast surgery, and many reports are promising. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on the use of this implant for breast reconstruction in Korea. We used this breast implant in breast reconstruction surgery and report our early experience. From November 2012 to April 2013, the Natrelle Style 410 form-stable anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implant was used in 31 breasts of 30 patients for implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix. Patients were treated with skin-sparing mastectomies followed by immediate breast reconstruction. The mean breast resection volume was 240 mL (range, 83-540 mL). The mean size of the breast implants was 217 mL (range, 125-395 mL). Breast shape outcomes were considered acceptable. Infection and skin thinning occurred in one patient each, and hematoma and seroma did not occur. Three cases of wound dehiscence occurred, one requiring surgical intervention, while the others healed with conservative treatment in one month. Rippling did not occur. So far, complications such as capsular contracture and malrotation of breast implant have not yet arisen. By using anatomic breast implants in breast reconstruction, we achieved satisfactory results with aesthetics better than those obtained with round breast implants. Therefore, we concluded that the anatomical implant is suitable for breast reconstruction.

Comparison of computer assisted surgery with conventional technique for treatment of abaxial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Rossol, Melanie; Gygax, Diego; Andritzky-Waas, Juliane; Zheng, Guoyan; Lischer, Christoph J; Zhang, Xuan; Auer, Joerg A

2008-01-01

To (1) evaluate and compare computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional screw insertion (conventional osteosynthesis [COS]) for treatment of equine abaxial distal phalanx fractures; (2) compare planned screw position with actual postoperative position; and (3) determine preferred screw insertion direction. Experimental study. Cadaveric equine limbs (n=32). In 8 specimens each, a 4.5 mm cortex bone screw was inserted in lag fashion in dorsopalmar (plantar) direction using CAS or COS. In 2 other groups of 8, the screws were inserted in opposite direction. Precision of CAS was determined by comparison of planned and actual screw position. Preferred screw direction was also assessed for CAS and COS. In 4 of 6 direct comparisons, screw positioning was significantly better with CAS. Results of precision analysis for screw position were similar to studies published in human medicine. None of evaluated criteria identified a preferred direction for screw insertion. For abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx, superior precision in screw position is achieved with CAS technique compared with COS technique. Abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx lend themselves to computer-assisted implantation of 1 screw in a dorsopalmar (plantar) direction. Because of the complex anatomic relationships, and our results, we discourage use of COS technique for repair of this fracture type.

Cyclic biomechanical testing of biocomposite lateral row knotless anchors in a human cadaveric model.

PubMed

Barber, F Alan; Bava, Eric D; Spenciner, David B; Piccirillo, Justin

2013-06-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the mechanical performance of biocomposite knotless lateral row anchors based on both anchor design and the direction of pull. Two lateral row greater tuberosity insertion sites (anterior and posterior) were identified in matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanned to verify comparability. The humeri were stripped of all soft tissue and 3 different biocomposite knotless lateral row anchors: HEALIX Knotless BR (DePuy Mitek, Raynham MA), BioComposite PushLock (Arthrex, Naples, FL), and Bio-SwiveLock (Arthrex). Fifty-two anchors were distributed among the insertion locations and tested them with either an anatomic or axial pull. A fixed-gauge loop (15 mm) of 2 high-strength sutures from each anchor was created. After a 10-Nm preload, anchors were cycled from 10 to 45 Nm at 0.5 Hz for 200 cycles and tested to failure at 4.23 mm/second. The load to reach 3 mm and 5 mm displacement, ultimate failure load, displacement at ultimate failure, and failure mode were recorded. Threaded anchors (Bio-SwiveLock, P = .03; HEALIX Knotless, P = .014) showed less displacement with anatomic testing than did the nonthreaded anchor (BioComposite PushLock), and the HEALIX Knotless showed less overall displacement than did the other 2 anchors. The Bio-SwiveLock exhibited greater failure loads than did the other 2 anchors (P < .05). Comparison of axial and anatomic loading showed no maximum load differences for all anchors as a whole (P = .1084). Yet, anatomic pulling produced higher failure loads than did axial pulling for the Bio-SwiveLock but not for the BioComposite PushLock or the HEALIX Knotless. The nonthreaded anchor (BioComposite PushLock) displayed lower failure loads than did both threaded anchors with axial pulling. Threaded biocomposite anchors (HEALIX Knotless BR and Bio-SwiveLock) show less anatomic loading displacement and higher axial failure loads than do the nonthreaded (BioComposite PushLock) anchor. The HEALIX Knotless BR anchor showed less displacement than did the BioComposite PushLock and Bio-SwiveLock anchors. Neither axial nor anatomic loading had an effect on overall anchor displacement. Because of the strength profiles exhibited, this study supports the use of biocomposite anchors, which have definite advantages over polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and metal products. However, the nonthreaded BioComposite PushLock anchor cannot be recommended. Copyright © 2013 Arthroscopy Association of North America. All rights reserved.

Acoustical and anatomical determination of sound production and transmission in West Indian (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian (T. inunguis) manatees.

PubMed

Landrau-Giovannetti, Nelmarie; Mignucci-Giannoni, Antonio A; Reidenberg, Joy S

2014-10-01

West Indian (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian (T. inunguis) manatees are vocal mammals, with most sounds produced for communication between mothers and calves. While their hearing and vocalizations have been well studied, the actual mechanism of sound production is unknown. Acoustical recordings and anatomical examination were used to determine the source of sound generation. Recordings were performed on live captive manatees from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Colombia (T. manatus) and from Peru (T. inunguis) to determine focal points of sound production. The manatees were recorded using two directional hydrophones placed on the throat and nasal region and an Edirol-R44 digital recorder. The average sound intensity level was analyzed to evaluate the sound source with a T test: paired two sample for means. Anatomical examinations were conducted on six T. manatus carcasses from Florida and Puerto Rico. During necropsies, the larynx, trachea, and nasal areas were dissected, with particular focus on identifying musculature and soft tissues capable of vibrating or constricting the airway. From the recordings we found that the acoustical intensity was significant (P < 0.0001) for both the individuals and the pooled manatees in the ventral throat region compared to the nasal region. From the dissection we found two raised areas of tissue in the lateral walls of the manatee's laryngeal lumen that are consistent with mammalian vocal folds. They oppose each other and may be able to regulate airflow between them when they are adducted or abducted by muscular control of arytenoid cartilages. Acoustic and anatomical evidence taken together suggest vocal folds as the mechanism for sound production in manatees. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomical and metabolic small-animal whole-body imaging using ring-shaped confocal photoacoustic computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Jun; Chatni, Muhammad; Maslov, Konstantin; Wang, Lihong V.

2013-03-01

Due to the wide use of animals for human disease studies, small animal whole-body imaging plays an increasingly important role in biomedical research. Currently, none of the existing imaging modalities can provide both anatomical and glucose metabolic information, leading to higher costs of building dual-modality systems. Even with image coregistration, the spatial resolution of the metabolic imaging modality is not improved. We present a ring-shaped confocal photoacoustic computed tomography (RC-PACT) system that can provide both assessments in a single modality. Utilizing the novel design of confocal full-ring light delivery and ultrasound transducer array detection, RC-PACT provides full-view cross-sectional imaging with high spatial resolution. Scanning along the orthogonal direction provides three-dimensional imaging. While the mouse anatomy was imaged with endogenous hemoglobin contrast, the glucose metabolism was imaged with a near-infrared dye-labeled 2-deoxyglucose. Through mouse tumor models, we demonstrate that RC-PACT may be a paradigm shifting imaging method for preclinical research.

The 4D hyperspherical diffusion wavelet: A new method for the detection of localized anatomical variation.

PubMed

Hosseinbor, Ameer Pasha; Kim, Won Hwa; Adluru, Nagesh; Acharya, Amit; Vorperian, Houri K; Chung, Moo K

2014-01-01

Recently, the HyperSPHARM algorithm was proposed to parameterize multiple disjoint objects in a holistic manner using the 4D hyperspherical harmonics. The HyperSPHARM coefficients are global; they cannot be used to directly infer localized variations in signal. In this paper, we present a unified wavelet framework that links Hyper-SPHARM to the diffusion wavelet transform. Specifically, we will show that the HyperSPHARM basis forms a subset of a wavelet-based multiscale representation of surface-based signals. This wavelet, termed the hyperspherical diffusion wavelet, is a consequence of the equivalence of isotropic heat diffusion smoothing and the diffusion wavelet transform on the hypersphere. Our framework allows for the statistical inference of highly localized anatomical changes, which we demonstrate in the first-ever developmental study on the hyoid bone investigating gender and age effects. We also show that the hyperspherical wavelet successfully picks up group-wise differences that are barely detectable using SPHARM.

The 4D Hyperspherical Diffusion Wavelet: A New Method for the Detection of Localized Anatomical Variation

PubMed Central

Hosseinbor, A. Pasha; Kim, Won Hwa; Adluru, Nagesh; Acharya, Amit; Vorperian, Houri K.; Chung, Moo K.

2014-01-01

Recently, the HyperSPHARM algorithm was proposed to parameterize multiple disjoint objects in a holistic manner using the 4D hyperspherical harmonics. The HyperSPHARM coefficients are global; they cannot be used to directly infer localized variations in signal. In this paper, we present a unified wavelet framework that links HyperSPHARM to the diffusion wavelet transform. Specifically, we will show that the HyperSPHARM basis forms a subset of a wavelet-based multiscale representation of surface-based signals. This wavelet, termed the hyperspherical diffusion wavelet, is a consequence of the equivalence of isotropic heat diffusion smoothing and the diffusion wavelet transform on the hypersphere. Our framework allows for the statistical inference of highly localized anatomical changes, which we demonstrate in the firstever developmental study on the hyoid bone investigating gender and age effects. We also show that the hyperspherical wavelet successfully picks up group-wise differences that are barely detectable using SPHARM. PMID:25320783

[The anatomic tradition in Venice].

PubMed

Capitanio, G; Stracca Pansa, V

2000-04-01

Venice had a long tradition and great reputation in the study of anatomical science dating back to the 1300's. The "Serenissima" Republic favoured the study and practice of anatomy as part of medical professional formation. Before the construction of the anatomical theater of San Giacomo dell'Orio, which took place in 1671, anatomical dissections were performed in churches, convents, hospitals and private homes. Even though Venice was not a University seat, it boosted numerous Venetian anatomists, among whom Benedetti, Massa, Santorini, and the medical activity of illustrious professors at the nearby University of Padua such as Vesalio, Falloppio, Spigelio, Vislingio and Morgagni.

Anatomical exploration of a dicephalous goat kid using sheet plastination (E12).

PubMed

Elnady, Fawzy; Sora, Mircea-Constantin

2009-06-01

A dicephalous, 1-day-old, female goat kid was presented for anatomical study. Epoxy plastination slices (E12) were used successfully to explore this condition. They provided excellent anatomic and bone detail, demonstrating organ position, shared structures, and vascular anatomy. Sheet plastination (E12) was used as an optimal method to clarify how the two heads were united, especially the neuroanatomy. The plastinated transparent slices allowed detailed study of the anatomical structures, in a non-collapsed and non-dislocated state. Thus, we anatomically explored this rare condition without traditional dissection. The advantages of plastination extended to the preservation at room temperature of this case for further topographical investigation. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first published report of plastination of a dicephalous goat.

Mechanochemical endovenous ablation versus radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of primary small saphenous vein insufficiency (MESSI trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Boersma, Doeke; van Eekeren, Ramon R J P; Kelder, Hans J C; Werson, Debora A B; Holewijn, Suzanne; Schreve, Michiel A; Reijnen, Michel M P J; de Vries, Jean Paul P M

2014-10-29

Minimally invasive endothermal techniques, for example, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have revolutionized the treatment of insufficient truncal veins and are associated with an excellent outcome. The use of thermal energy requires the instillation of tumescent anesthesia around the vein. Mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA™) combines mechanical endothelial damage, using a rotating wire, with simultaneous infusion of a liquid sclerosans. Tumescent anesthesia is not required as no heat is used. Prospective studies using MOCA™ in both great and small saphenous veins showed good anatomical and clinical results with fast postoperative recovery. The MESSI trial (Mechanochemical Endovenous ablation versus radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of primary Small Saphenous vein Insufficiency) is a multicenter randomized controlled trial in which a total of 160 patients will be randomized (1:1) to MOCA™ or RFA. Consecutive patients with primary small saphenous vein incompetence, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be invited to participate in this trial. The primary endpoint is anatomic success, defined as occlusion of the treated veins objectified with duplex ultrasonography at 1 year follow-up. Secondary endpoints are post-procedural pain, initial technical success, clinical success, complications and the duration of the procedure. Initial technical success is defined as the ability to position the device adequately, treat the veins as planned and occlude the treated vein directly after the procedure has been proven by duplex ultrasonography. Clinical success is defined as an objective improvement of clinical outcome after treatment, measured with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Power analyses are conducted for anatomical success and post-procedural pain.Both groups will be evaluated on an intention-to-treat principle. The hypothesis of the MESSI trial is that the anatomic success rate of MOCA™ is not inferior to RFA. The second hypothesis is that post-procedural pain is significantly less after MOCA compared to RFA. NTR4613 Date of trial registration: 28 May 2014.

Regular three-dimensional presentations improve in the identification of surgical liver anatomy - a randomized study.

PubMed

Müller-Stich, Beat P; Löb, Nicole; Wald, Diana; Bruckner, Thomas; Meinzer, Hans-Peter; Kadmon, Martina; Büchler, Markus W; Fischer, Lars

2013-09-25

Three-dimensional (3D) presentations enhance the understanding of complex anatomical structures. However, it has been shown that two dimensional (2D) "key views" of anatomical structures may suffice in order to improve spatial understanding. The impact of real 3D images (3Dr) visible only with 3D glasses has not been examined yet. Contrary to 3Dr, regular 3D images apply techniques such as shadows and different grades of transparency to create the impression of 3D.This randomized study aimed to define the impact of both the addition of key views to CT images (2D+) and the use of 3Dr on the identification of liver anatomy in comparison with regular 3D presentations (3D). A computer-based teaching module (TM) was used. Medical students were randomized to three groups (2D+ or 3Dr or 3D) and asked to answer 11 anatomical questions and 4 evaluative questions. Both 3D groups had animated models of the human liver available to them which could be moved in all directions. 156 medical students (57.7% female) participated in this randomized trial. Students exposed to 3Dr and 3D performed significantly better than those exposed to 2D+ (p < 0.01, ANOVA). There were no significant differences between 3D and 3Dr and no significant gender differences (p > 0.1, t-test). Students randomized to 3D and 3Dr not only had significantly better results, but they also were significantly faster in answering the 11 anatomical questions when compared to students randomized to 2D+ (p < 0.03, ANOVA). Whether or not "key views" were used had no significant impact on the number of correct answers (p > 0.3, t-test). This randomized trial confirms that regular 3D visualization improve the identification of liver anatomy.

Experimental study on the atlanto-axial joint and related structures with regional anatomy and medical imaging.

PubMed

Lv, S; He, H; Yang, L; Lin, Q; Duan, S

2011-10-01

To evaluate the anatomy and medical imaging characteristics in a study observing the atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) and related structures. Eight cadaveric specimens of the AAJ segment were studied with both anatomical and imaging methods. The vertebral arteries of the AAJ segment (VA-A), the first and second cervical nerves (CN1, CN2) and synovial fold (SF) of the AAJ were observed and measured. After extending from the vertebral canal, the CN1 goes between the posterior arch of the atlas and VA-A, and the CN2 passes between the posterior arch of the atlas and axis, and is posterior to VA-A. Among the eight cases, six were found in the SF in the central anterior AAJ and five in lateral. The vertebral arteries of the AAJ segment go along the AAJ with four curves, of which the second and fourth are away from the bone structure of the AAJ. The distance from CN1, CN2 to VA-A and that from the second, fourth curve of VA-A to AAJ is 0.0-2.2 mm, 0.0-3.6 mm and 0.0-4.8 mm, 2.0-7.9 mm respectively. There is no significant difference between the measurements made anatomically and those by the imaging method (p > 0.05). The anatomical method has advantages in observing the CN and SF, while the imaging method shows clearly and directly the VA-A and AAJ. Both are mutually complementary with consistent measurements. The combined use of the two provides a new way to study the complicated anatomy in this region.

Aligning Microtomography Analysis with Traditional Anatomy for a 3D Understanding of the Host-Parasite Interface – Phoradendron spp. Case Study

PubMed Central

Teixeira-Costa, Luíza; Ceccantini, Gregório C. T.

2016-01-01

The complex endophytic structure formed by parasitic plant species often represents a challenge in the study of the host-parasite interface. Even with the large amounts of anatomical slides, a three-dimensional comprehension of the structure may still be difficult to obtain. In the present study we applied the High Resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (HRXCT) analysis along with usual plant anatomy techniques in order to compare the infestation pattern of two mistletoe species of the genus Phoradendron. Additionally, we tested the use of contrasting solutions in order to improve the detection of the parasite’s endophytic tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the three-dimensional structure of host-mistletoe interface by using HRXCT technique. Results showed that Phoradendron perrottetii growing on the host Tapirira guianensis forms small woody galls with a restricted endophytic system. The sinkers were short and eventually grouped creating a continuous interface with the host wood. On the other hand, the long sinkers of P. bathyoryctum penetrate deeply into the wood of Cedrela fissilis branching in all directions throughout the woody gall area, forming a spread-out infestation pattern. The results indicate that the HRXCT is indeed a powerful approach to understand the endophytic system of parasitic plants. The combination of three-dimensional models of the infestation with anatomical analysis provided a broader understanding of the host-parasite connection. Unique anatomic features are reported for the sinkes of P. perrottetii, while the endophytic tissue of P. bathyoryctum conformed to general anatomy observed for other species of this genus. These differences are hypothesized to be related to the three-dimensional structure of each endophytic system and the communication stablished with the host. PMID:27630661

Integration of prior CT into CBCT reconstruction for improved image quality via reconstruction of difference: first patient studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hao; Gang, Grace J.; Lee, Junghoon; Wong, John; Stayman, J. Webster

2017-03-01

Purpose: There are many clinical situations where diagnostic CT is used for an initial diagnosis or treatment planning, followed by one or more CBCT scans that are part of an image-guided intervention. Because the high-quality diagnostic CT scan is a rich source of patient-specific anatomical knowledge, this provides an opportunity to incorporate the prior CT image into subsequent CBCT reconstruction for improved image quality. We propose a penalized-likelihood method called reconstruction of difference (RoD), to directly reconstruct differences between the CBCT scan and the CT prior. In this work, we demonstrate the efficacy of RoD with clinical patient datasets. Methods: We introduce a data processing workflow using the RoD framework to reconstruct anatomical changes between the prior CT and current CBCT. This workflow includes processing steps to account for non-anatomical differences between the two scans including 1) scatter correction for CBCT datasets due to increased scatter fractions in CBCT data; 2) histogram matching for attenuation variations between CT and CBCT; and 3) registration for different patient positioning. CBCT projection data and CT planning volumes for two radiotherapy patients - one abdominal study and one head-and-neck study - were investigated. Results: In comparisons between the proposed RoD framework and more traditional FDK and penalized-likelihood reconstructions, we find a significant improvement in image quality when prior CT information is incorporated into the reconstruction. RoD is able to provide additional low-contrast details while correctly incorporating actual physical changes in patient anatomy. Conclusions: The proposed framework provides an opportunity to either improve image quality or relax data fidelity constraints for CBCT imaging when prior CT studies of the same patient are available. Possible clinical targets include CBCT image-guided radiotherapy and CBCT image-guided surgeries.

Contribution of the computed tomography of the anatomical aspects of the sphenoid sinuses to forensic identification.

PubMed

Auffret, Mathieu; Garetier, Marc; Diallo, Idris; Aho, Serge; Ben Salem, Douraied

2016-12-01

Body identification is the cornerstone of forensic investigation. It can be performed using radiographic techniques, if antemortem images are available. This study was designed to assess the value of visual comparison of the computed tomography (CT) anatomical aspects of the sphenoid sinuses, in forensic individual identification, especially if antemortem dental records, fingerprints or DNA samples are not available. This retrospective work took place in a French university hospital. The supervisor of this study randomly selected from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS), 58 patients who underwent one (16 patients) or two (42 patients) head CT in various neurological contexts. To avoid bias, those studies were prepared (anonymized, and all the head structures but the sphenoid sinuses were excluded), and used to constitute two working lists of 50 (42+8) CT studies of the sphenoid sinuses. An anatomical classification system of the sphenoid sinuses anatomical variations was created based on the anatomical and surgical literature. In these two working lists, three blinded readers had to identify, using the anatomical system and subjective visual comparison, 42 pairs of matched studies, and 16 unmatched studies. Readers were blinded from the exact numbers of matching studies. Each reader correctly identified the 42 pairs of CT with a concordance of 100% [97.5% confidence interval: 91-100%], and the 16 unmatched CT with a concordance of 100% [97.5% confidence interval: 79-100%]. Overall accuracy was 100%. Our study shows that establishing the anatomical concordance of the sphenoid sinuses by visual comparison could be used in personal identification. This easy method, based on a frequently and increasingly prescribed exam, still needs to be assessed on a postmortem cohort. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Multi-channel metabolic imaging, with SENSE reconstruction, of hyperpolarized [1- 13C] pyruvate in a live rat at 3.0 tesla on a clinical MR scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tropp, James; Lupo, Janine M.; Chen, Albert; Calderon, Paul; McCune, Don; Grafendorfer, Thomas; Ozturk-Isik, Esin; Larson, Peder E. Z.; Hu, Simon; Yen, Yi-Fen; Robb, Fraser; Bok, Robert; Schulte, Rolf; Xu, Duan; Hurd, Ralph; Vigneron, Daniel; Nelson, Sarah

2011-01-01

We report metabolic images of 13C, following injection of a bolus of hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate in a live rat. The data were acquired on a clinical scanner, using custom coils for volume transmission and array reception. Proton blocking of all carbon resonators enabled proton anatomic imaging with the system body coil, to allow for registration of anatomic and metabolic images, for which good correlation was achieved, with some anatomic features (kidney and heart) clearly visible in a carbon image, without reference to the corresponding proton image. Parallel imaging with sensitivity encoding was used to increase the spatial resolution in the SI direction of the rat. The signal to noise ratio in was in some instances unexpectedly high in the parallel images; variability of the polarization among different trials, plus partial volume effects, are noted as a possible cause of this.

Length and Geometric Patterns of the Greater Palatine Canal Observed in Cone Beam Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

Howard-Swirzinski, Karen; Edwards, Paul C.; Saini, Tarnjit S.; Norton, Neil S.

2010-01-01

The greater palatine canal is an important anatomical structure that is often utilized as a pathway for infiltration of local anesthesia to affect sensation and hemostasis. Increased awareness of the length and anatomic variation in the anatomy of this structure is important when performing surgical procedures in this area (e.g., placement of osseointegrated dental implants). We examined the anatomy of the greater palatine canal using data obtained from CBCT scans of 500 subjects. Both right and left canals were viewed (N = 1000) in coronal and sagittal planes, and their paths and lengths determined. The average length of the greater palatine canal was 29 mm (±3 mm), with a range from 22 to 40 mm. Coronally, the most common anatomic pattern consisted of the canal traveling inferior-laterally for a distance then directly inferior for the remainder (43.3%). In the sagittal view, the canal traveled most frequently at an anterior-inferior angle (92.9%). PMID:20871845

Right Hemisphere Cognitive Functions: From Clinical and Anatomic Bases to Brain Mapping During Awake Craniotomy Part I: Clinical and Functional Anatomy.

PubMed

Bernard, Florian; Lemée, Jean-Michel; Ter Minassian, Aram; Menei, Philippe

2018-05-12

The nondominant hemisphere (usually the right) is responsible for primary cognitive functions such as visuospatial and social cognition. Awake surgery using direct electric stimulation for right cerebral tumor removal remains challenging because of the complexity of the functional anatomy and difficulties in adapting standard bedside tasks to awake surgery conditions. An understanding of semiology and anatomic bases, along with an analysis of the available cognitive tasks for visuospatial and social cognition per operative mapping allow neurosurgeons to better appreciate the functional anatomy of the right hemisphere and its relevance to tumor surgery. In this article, the first of a 2-part review, we discuss the anatomic and functional basis of right hemisphere function. Whereas part II of the review focuses primarily on semiology and surgical management of right-sided tumors under awake conditions, this article provides a comprehensive review of knowledge underpinning awake surgery on the right hemisphere. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Alpha-beta and gamma rhythms subserve feedback and feedforward influences among human visual cortical areas

PubMed Central

Michalareas, Georgios; Vezoli, Julien; van Pelt, Stan; Schoffelen, Jan-Mathijs; Kennedy, Henry; Fries, Pascal

2016-01-01

Primate visual cortex is hierarchically organized. Bottom-up and top-down influences are exerted through distinct frequency channels, as was recently revealed in macaques by correlating inter-areal influences with laminar anatomical projection patterns. Because this anatomical data cannot be obtained in human subjects, we selected seven homologous macaque and human visual areas, and correlated the macaque laminar projection patterns to human inter-areal directed influences as measured with magnetoencephalography. We show that influences along feedforward projections predominate in the gamma band, whereas influences along feedback projections predominate in the alpha-beta band. Rhythmic inter-areal influences constrain a functional hierarchy of the seven homologous human visual areas that is in close agreement with the respective macaque anatomical hierarchy. Rhythmic influences allow an extension of the hierarchy to 26 human visual areas including uniquely human brain areas. Hierarchical levels of ventral and dorsal stream visual areas are differentially affected by inter-areal influences in the alpha-beta band. PMID:26777277

The relationship between loading history and proximal femoral diaphysis cross-sectional geometry.

PubMed

Niinimäki, Sirpa; Narra, Nathaniel; Härkönen, Laura; Abe, Shinya; Nikander, Riku; Hyttinen, Jari; Knüsel, Christopher; Sievänen, Harri

2017-07-08

We investigated the relationship between loading history and bone biomechanical properties used in physical activity reconstructions. These bone properties included bone bending and torsional strength (J), cortical area (CA), the direction of the major axis (theta angle), and element shape ratios determined from cross sections of standardized bone length. In addition, we explored the applicability of anatomically determined cross sections. Our material consisted of hip and proximal thigh magnetic resonance images of Finnish female athletes (N = 91) engaged in high-jump, triple-jump, endurance running, swimming, power-lifting, soccer and squash; along with a group of active non-athlete individuals (N = 20). We used regression analysis for size-adjustment, and the extracted residuals were then used to compare differences in the bone properties between groups. We found that triple-jumpers, soccer players, and squash players had the greatest values in CA and J, swimmers and non-athletes had the smallest, whereas high-jumpers, power-lifters, and endurance runners exhibited interim values. No between-the-group differences in element shape ratios or theta angles were found. We found that influences of activity were similar regardless of whether standardized length or anatomically determined cross sections were used. Extreme (triple-jump) and directionally inconsistent loading (soccer and squash) necessitate a more robust skeleton compared to directionally consistent loading (high-jump, power-lifting, and endurance running) or non-impact loading (swimming and non-athletes). However, not all of these relationships were statistically significant. Thus, information gained about physical activity using bone properties is informative but limited. Accounting for the limitations, the method is applicable on fragmented skeletal material as anatomically determined cross sections can be used. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rewiring the Brain: Potential Role of the Premotor Cortex in Motor Control, Learning, and Recovery of Function Following Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Kantak, Shailesh S.; Stinear, James W.; Buch, Ethan R.; Cohen, Leonardo G.

2016-01-01

The brain is a plastic organ with a capability to reorganize in response to behavior and/or injury. Following injury to the motor cortex or emergent corticospinal pathways, recovery of function depends on the capacity of surviving anatomical resources to recover and repair in response to task-specific training. One such area implicated in poststroke reorganization to promote recovery of upper extremity recovery is the premotor cortex (PMC). This study reviews the role of distinct subdivisions of PMC: dorsal (PMd) and ventral (PMv) premotor cortices as critical anatomical and physiological nodes within the neural networks for the control and learning of goal-oriented reach and grasp actions in healthy individuals and individuals with stroke. Based on evidence emerging from studies of intrinsic and extrinsic connectivity, transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional neuroimaging, and experimental studies in animals and humans, the authors propose 2 distinct patterns of reorganization that differentially engage ipsilesional and contralesional PMC. Research directions that may offer further insights into the role of PMC in motor control, learning, and poststroke recovery are also proposed. This research may facilitate neuroplasticity for maximal recovery of function following brain injury. PMID:21926382

Histological study of the external, middle and inner ear of horses.

PubMed

Blanke, A; Aupperle, H; Seeger, J; Kubick, C; Schusser, G F

2015-12-01

Clinical, anatomical and histological aspects of the equine acoustic organ have been poorly investigated and illustrated in literature so far. It is understood that an intact acoustic organ and hearing function are of vital importance for the well-being of flight animals like horses. The knowledge of the acoustic organ is usually transferred analogously from other mammals to horses. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed and complete histological description of the healthy equine auditory organ, and to determine its congruity to other mammalians. Anatomical dissections and histological preparations were carried out on ten cadaver heads. Specimens of various parts of the equine acoustic organ were taken and evaluated histologically. The histological composition of external, middle and inner ear structures are predominantly congruent to those of other mammals, especially to human beings. Unique inwardly directed rete pegs within the osseous ear canal and the prominent tensor tympani muscle are described for the first time. Results obtained in this study can be employed as references for further research on the equine acoustic organ and improve the understanding of the clinical development of hearing loss, otitis externa/media/interna or tympanosclerosis. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Neurophysiology and functional neuroanatomy of pain perception.

PubMed

Schnitzler, A; Ploner, M

2000-11-01

The traditional view that the cerebral cortex is not involved in pain processing has been abandoned during the past decades based on anatomic and physiologic investigations in animals, and lesion, functional neuroimaging, and neurophysiologic studies in humans. These studies have revealed an extensive central network associated with nociception that consistently includes the thalamus, the primary (SI) and secondary (SII) somatosensory cortices, the insula, and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Anatomic and electrophysiologic data show that these cortical regions receive direct nociceptive thalamic input. From the results of human studies there is growing evidence that these different cortical structures contribute to different dimensions of pain experience. The SI cortex appears to be mainly involved in sensory-discriminative aspects of pain. The SII cortex seems to have an important role in recognition, learning, and memory of painful events. The insula has been proposed to be involved in autonomic reactions to noxious stimuli and in affective aspects of pain-related learning and memory. The ACC is closely related to pain unpleasantness and may subserve the integration of general affect, cognition, and response selection. The authors review the evidence on which the proposed relationship between cortical areas, pain-related neural activations, and components of pain perception is based.

Gross anatomical and dimensional characteristics of the proximal hamstring origin.

PubMed

Feucht, Matthias J; Plath, Johannes E; Seppel, Gernot; Hinterwimmer, Stefan; Imhoff, Andreas B; Brucker, Peter U

2015-09-01

The current study was undertaken to better define the gross anatomical and dimensional characteristics of the proximal hamstring origin. Twelve paired whole-lower extremities from six embalmed cadavers were dissected. The gross anatomy of the proximal hamstrings was studied. With the tendons attached to the ischial tuberosity, the width and thickness of each tendon was measured 1 cm distally to their origin, and the distance from the most proximal border of the common origin of the semitendinosus (ST) and long head of the biceps (LB) to their distal junction was assessed. After removal of the hamstring group, the shape, orientation, and dimension of the tendon footprints were determined. One cadaver demonstrated unique anatomy, which was considered as an anatomic variant and was therefore excluded from the study group. The ST and LB had a common origin on the posterolateral aspect of the ischial tuberosity (ST/LB), whereas the semimembranosus (SM) had a separated origin at the anterolateral aspect. The mean distance from the most proximal border of the ST/LB origin to the distal junction was 10.0 ± 1.3 cm. The shape of both footprints was longitudinal-oval, with the longitudinal axes of the SM and ST/LB footprints parallel aligned. Mean tendon width was 3.4 ± 0.5 cm for the common ST/LB complex and 4.2 ± 0.9 cm for the SM (p = 0.009). The corresponding values for tendon thickness were 1.0 ± 0.3 cm (ST/LB) and 0.8 ± 0.2 cm (SM), respectively (n.s.). Mean footprint length was 3.9 ± 0.4 cm for ST/LB and 4.5 ± 0.5 cm for SM (p = 0.002). The corresponding values for footprint height were 1.4 ± 0.5 cm (ST/LB) and 1.2 ± 0.3 cm (SM), respectively (n.s.). The ST and LB had a common origin, whereas the SM originated separately. The site of origin of both tendons was the lateral aspect of the ischial tuberosity, with the SM footprint lying directly anterior to the footprint of the ST/LB complex. The footprint of the SM was significantly wider than the footprint of the ST/LB. The reported gross anatomic findings and dimensions may aid surgeons in anchor placement at the anatomical attachment site, thereby facilitating anatomic hamstring repair. In addition, the provided data may improve diagnosis and conservative treatment of proximal hamstring tendinopathy, since detailed knowledge about the normal anatomy is crucial for recognizing tendon abnormalities and for several conservative treatment modalities such as shockwave application or ultrasound-guided injections.

Functional imaging of the semantic system: retrieval of sensory-experienced and verbally learned knowledge.

PubMed

Noppeney, Uta; Price, Cathy J

2003-01-01

This paper considers how functional neuro-imaging can be used to investigate the organization of the semantic system and the limitations associated with this technique. The majority of the functional imaging studies of the semantic system have looked for divisions by varying stimulus category. These studies have led to divergent results and no clear anatomical hypotheses have emerged to account for the dissociations seen in behavioral studies. Only a few functional imaging studies have used task as a variable to differentiate the neural correlates of semantic features more directly. We extend these findings by presenting a new study that contrasts tasks that differentially weight sensory (color and taste) and verbally learned (origin) semantic features. Irrespective of the type of semantic feature retrieved, a common semantic system was activated as demonstrated in many previous studies. In addition, the retrieval of verbally learned, but not sensory-experienced, features enhanced activation in medial and lateral posterior parietal areas. We attribute these "verbally learned" effects to differences in retrieval strategy and conclude that evidence for segregation of semantic features at an anatomical level remains weak. We believe that functional imaging has the potential to increase our understanding of the neuronal infrastructure that sustains semantic processing but progress may require multiple experiments until a consistent explanatory framework emerges.

Potential clinical impact of radionuclide imaging technologies: highlights of the ITBS 2003 meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itti, Roland

2004-07-01

Radiopharmaceuticals are major determinants of progress in Nuclear Medicine. Besides 18FDG, the most common PET tracer, several other molecules are under evaluation, such as 18F-fluoride for bone studies, numerous ligands for neurotransmission, 18F-DOPA for neuro-endocrine tumors or generator produced 68Ga-peptides for various cancers. Nuclear medicine gradually changes for "molecular imaging" and medical imaging, which was at the beginning mainly anatomic, has progressed in the direction of functional and metabolic imaging. The present challenge is to achieve some degree of "in vivo" biochemistry or even histology or genetics. The importance of anatomic/functional image fusion justifies the development of combined PET-CT instrumentation, whose objectives have to be discussed in terms of anatomical landmarks and/or additional clinical information. The question of "hard" or "soft" image co-registration remains open, involving not only CT, but also SPECT or MRI. Development of dedicated imaging devices, whether single photon or positron, is of major interest for breast imaging, allowing optimal imaging conditions, with results definitely superior to classical gamma-cameras or PET. The patient population concerned with scintimammography is still controversial, as well as the imaging modalities: FDG or sestaMIBI, planar or tomographic, scintillators or semi-conductors, and the research field remains open. This is also valid for external or per-operative probe systems for tumor or lymph nodes localization.

Evaluation of volume change in rectum and bladder during application of image-guided radiotherapy for prostate carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luna, J. A.; Rojas, J. I.

2016-07-01

All prostate cancer patients from Centro Médico Radioterapia Siglo XXI receive Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). This therapy uses image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) with the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This study compares the planned dose in the reference CT image against the delivered dose recalculate in the CBCT image. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomic changes and related dosimetric effect based on weekly CBCT directly for patients with prostate cancer undergoing volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment. The collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Revision surgery in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cohort study of 17,682 patients from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register.

PubMed

Desai, Neel; Andernord, Daniel; Sundemo, David; Alentorn-Geli, Eduard; Musahl, Volker; Fu, Freddie; Forssblad, Magnus; Samuelsson, Kristian

2017-05-01

To investigate the association between surgical variables and the risk of revision surgery after ACL reconstruction in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. This cohort study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. Patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon were included. Follow-up started with primary ACL reconstruction and ended with ACL revision surgery or on 31 December, 2014, whichever occurred first. Details on surgical technique were collected using an online questionnaire. All group comparisons were made in relation to an "anatomic" reference group, comprised of essential AARSC items, defined as utilization of accessory medial portal drilling, anatomic tunnel placement, visualization of insertion sites and pertinent landmarks. Study end-point was revision surgery. A total of 108 surgeons (61.7%) replied to the questionnaire. A total of 17,682 patients were included [n = 10,013 males (56.6%) and 7669 females (43.4%)]. The overall revision rate was 3.1%. Older age as well as cartilage injury evident at index surgery was associated with a decreased risk of revision surgery. The group using transtibial drilling and non-anatomic bone tunnel placement was associated with a lower risk of revision surgery [HR 0.694 (95% CI 0.490-0.984); P = 0.041] compared with the anatomic reference group. The anatomic reference group showed no difference in risk of revision surgery compared with the transtibial drilling groups with partial anatomic [HR 0.759 (95% CI 0.548-1.051), n.s.] and anatomic tunnel placement [HR 0.944 (95% CI 0.718-1.241), n.s.]. The anatomic reference group showed a decreased risk of revision surgery compared with the transportal drilling group with anatomic placement [HR 1.310 (95% CI 1.047-1.640); P = 0.018]. Non-anatomic bone tunnel placement via transtibial drilling resulted in the lowest risk of revision surgery after ACL reconstruction. The risk of revision surgery increased when using transportal drilling. Performing anatomic ACL reconstruction utilizing eight selected essential items from the AARSC lowered the risk of revision surgery associated with transportal drilling and anatomic bone tunnel placement. Detailed knowledge of surgical technique using the AARSC predicts the risk of ACL revision surgery. III.

Anatomical Directional Dissimilarities in Tri-axial Swallowing Accelerometry Signals

PubMed Central

Movahedi, Faezeh; Kurosu, Atsuko; Coyle, James L.; Perera, Subashan

2017-01-01

Swallowing accelerometry is a non-invasive approach currently under consideration as an instrumental screening test for swallowing difficulties, with most current studies focusing on the swallowing vibrations in the anterior-posterior (A-P) and superior-interior (S-I) directions. However, the displacement of the hyolaryngeal structure during the act of swallowing in patients with dysphagia involves declination of the medial-lateral (M-L), which suggests that the swallowing vibrations in the M-L direction have the ability to reveal additional details about the swallowing function. With this motivation, we performed a broad comparison of the swallowing vibrations in all three anatomical directions. Tri-axial swallowing accelerometry signals were concurrently collected from 72 dysphagic patients undergoing videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (mean age: 63.94 ± 12.58 years period). Participants swallowed one or more thickened liquids with different consistencies including thin-thick liquids, nectar-thick liquids, and pudding-thick liquids with either a comfortable self-selected volume from a cup or a controlled volume by the examiner from a 5ml spoon. Swallows were grouped based on the viscosity of swallows and the participant’s stroke history. Then, a comprehensive set of features was extracted in multiple signal domains from 881 swallows. The results highlighted inter-axis dissimilarities among tri-axial swallowing vibrations including the extent of variability in the amplitude of signals, the degree of predictability of signals, and the extent of disordered behavior of signals in time-frequency domain. First, the upward movement of the hyolaryngeal structure, representing the S-I signals, were actually more variable in amplitude and showed less predictable behavior than the sideways and forward movements, representing the A-P and M-L signals, during swallowing. Second, the S-I signals, which represent the upward movement of the hyolaryngeal structure, behaved more disordered in the time-frequency domain than the sideways movement, M-L signals, in all groups of study except for the pudding swallows in the stroke group. Third, considering the viscosity and the participant’s pathology, thin liquid swallows in the non-stroke group presented the most directional differences among all groups of study. In summary, despite some directional dissimilarities, M-L axis accelerometry characteristics are similar to those of the two other axes. This indicates that M-L axis characteristics, which cannot be observed in videofluoroscopic images, can be adequately derived from the A-P and S-I axes. PMID:27295677

Anatomical Directional Dissimilarities in Tri-axial Swallowing Accelerometry Signals.

PubMed

Movahedi, Faezeh; Kurosu, Atsuko; Coyle, James L; Perera, Subashan; Sejdic, Ervin

2017-05-01

Swallowing accelerometry is a noninvasive approach currently under consideration as an instrumental screening test for swallowing difficulties, with most current studies focusing on the swallowing vibrations in the anterior-posterior (A-P) and superior-inferior (S-I) directions. However, the displacement of the hyolaryngeal structure during the act of swallowing in patients with dysphagia involves declination of the medial-lateral (M-L), which suggests that the swallowing vibrations in the M-L direction have the ability to reveal additional details about the swallowing function. With this motivation, we performed a broad comparison of the swallowing vibrations in all three anatomical directions. Tri-axial swallowing accelerometry signals were concurrently collected from 72 dysphagic patients undergoing videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (mean age: 63.94 ± 12.58 years period). Participants swallowed one or more thickened liquids with different consistencies including thin-thick liquids, nectar-thick liquids, and pudding-thick liquids with either a comfortable self-selected volume from a cup or a controlled volume by the examiner from a 5-ml spoon. Swallows were grouped based on the viscosity of swallows and the participant's stroke history. Then, a comprehensive set of features was extracted in multiple signal domains from 881 swallows. The results highlighted inter-axis dissimilarities among tri-axial swallowing vibrations including the extent of variability in the amplitude of signals, the degree of predictability of signals, and the extent of disordered behavior of signals in time-frequency domain. First, the upward movement of the hyolaryngeal structure, representing the S-I signals, were actually more variable in amplitude and showed less predictable behavior than the sideways and forward movements, representing the A-P and M-L signals, during swallowing. Second, the S-I signals, which represent the upward movement of the hyolaryngeal structure, behaved more disordered in the time-frequency domain than the sideways movement, M-L signals, in all groups of study except for the pudding swallows in the stroke group. Third, considering the viscosity and the participant's pathology, thin liquid swallows in the nonstroke group presented the most directional differences among all groups of study. In summary, despite some directional dissimilarities, M-L axis accelerometry characteristics are similar to those of the two other axes. This indicates that M-L axis characteristics, which cannot be observed in videofluoroscopic images, can be adequately derived from the A-P and S-I axes.

Anatomical and morphological study of the subcoracoacromial canal.

PubMed

Le Reun, O; Lebhar, J; Mateos, F; Voisin, J L; Thomazeau, H; Ropars, M

2016-12-01

Many clinical anatomy studies have looked into how variations in the acromion, coracoacromial ligament (CAL) and subacromial space are associated with rotator cuff injuries. However, no study up to now had defined anatomically the fibro-osseous canal that confines the supraspinatus muscle in the subcoracoacromial space. Through an anatomical study of the scapula, we defined the bone-related parameters of this canal and its anatomical variations. This study on dry bones involved 71 scapulas. With standardised photographs in two orthogonal views (superior and lateral), the surface area of the subcoracoacromial canal and the anatomical parameters making up this canal were defined and measured using image analysis software. The primary analysis evaluated the anatomical parameters of the canal as a function of three canal surface area groups; the secondary analysis looked into how variations in the canal surface area were related to the type of acromion according to the Bigliani classification. Relative to glenoid width, the group with a large canal surface area (L) had significantly less lateral overhang of the acromion than the group with a small canal surface area (S), with ratios of 0.41±0.23 and 0.58±0.3, respectively (P=0.04). The mean length of the CAL was 46±8mm in the L group and 39±9mm in the S group (P=0.003). The coracoacromial arch angle was 38°±11° in the L group and 34°±9° in the S group; the canal surface area was smaller in specimens with a smaller coracoacromial arch angle (P=0.20). Apart from acromial morphology, there could be innate anatomical features of the scapula that predispose people to extrinsic lesions to the supraspinatus tendon (lateral overhang, coracoacromial arch angle) by reducing the subcoracoacromial canal's surface area. Anatomical descriptive study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Navigators for motion detection during real-time MRI-guided radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stam, Mette K.; Crijns, Sjoerd P. M.; Zonnenberg, Bernard A.; Barendrecht, Maurits M.; van Vulpen, Marco; Lagendijk, Jan J. W.; Raaymakers, Bas W.

2012-11-01

An MRI-linac system provides direct MRI feedback and with that the possibility of adapting radiation treatments to the actual tumour position. This paper addresses the use of fast 1D MRI, pencil-beam navigators, for this feedback. The accuracy of using navigators was determined on a moving phantom. The possibility of organ tracking and breath-hold monitoring based on navigator guidance was shown for the kidney. Navigators are accurate within 0.5 mm and the analysis has a minimal time lag smaller than 30 ms as shown for the phantom measurements. The correlation of 2D kidney images and navigators shows the possibility of complete organ tracking. Furthermore the breath-hold monitoring of the kidney is accurate within 1.5 mm, allowing gated radiotherapy based on navigator feedback. Navigators are a fast and precise method for monitoring and real-time tracking of anatomical landmarks. As such, they provide direct MRI feedback on anatomical changes for more precise radiation delivery.

Overlooked diseases of the vagina: a directed anatomic-pathologic approach for imaging assessment.

PubMed

Walker, Daphne K; Salibian, Raffi A; Salibian, Allison D; Belen, Kristin M; Palmer, Suzanne L

2011-10-01

The vagina can easily be overlooked at ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed for nongynecologic indications. Even when gynecologic disease is suspected, the vagina may be underevaluated at routine pelvic US due to probe positioning and at CT due to poor vaginal tissue characterization. Although MR imaging offers excellent tissue characterization, radiologists must focus on the vaginal area to recognize any incidental findings. A directed anatomic-pathologic approach to assessing the vagina at US, CT, and MR imaging is recommended so that pertinent findings are not missed. This approach requires a knowledge of the anatomy and embryologic development of the vagina, as well as an understanding of congenital, developmental, and postoperative vaginal disease entities. In addition, it is important to understand the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality with respect to vaginal assessment. By remembering to "look beyond" the uterus and cervix to the vagina, radiologists can improve their perception and interpretation of vaginal anatomy and disease. © RSNA, 2011.

Partial Correlation-Based Retinotopically Organized Resting-State Functional Connectivity Within and Between Areas of the Visual Cortex Reflects More Than Cortical Distance

PubMed Central

Dawson, Debra Ann; Lam, Jack; Lewis, Lindsay B.; Carbonell, Felix; Mendola, Janine D.

2016-01-01

Abstract Numerous studies have demonstrated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between cortical areas. Recent evidence suggests that synchronous fluctuations in blood oxygenation level-dependent fMRI reflect functional organization at a scale finer than that of visual areas. In this study, we investigated whether RSFCs within and between lower visual areas are retinotopically organized and whether retinotopically organized RSFC merely reflects cortical distance. Subjects underwent retinotopic mapping and separately resting-state fMRI. Visual areas V1, V2, and V3, were subdivided into regions of interest (ROIs) according to quadrants and visual field eccentricity. Functional connectivity (FC) was computed based on Pearson's linear correlation (correlation), and Pearson's linear partial correlation (correlation between two time courses after the time courses from all other regions in the network are regressed out). Within a quadrant, within visual areas, all correlation and nearly all partial correlation FC measures showed statistical significance. Consistently in V1, V2, and to a lesser extent in V3, correlation decreased with increasing eccentricity separation. Consistent with previously reported monkey anatomical connectivity, correlation/partial correlation values between regions from adjacent areas (V1-V2 and V2-V3) were higher than those between nonadjacent areas (V1-V3). Within a quadrant, partial correlation showed consistent significance between regions from two different areas with the same or adjacent eccentricities. Pairs of ROIs with similar eccentricity showed higher correlation/partial correlation than pairs distant in eccentricity. Between dorsal and ventral quadrants, partial correlation between common and adjacent eccentricity regions within a visual area showed statistical significance; this extended to more distant eccentricity regions in V1. Within and between quadrants, correlation decreased approximately linearly with increasing distances separating the tested ROIs. Partial correlation showed a more complex dependence on cortical distance: it decreased exponentially with increasing distance within a quadrant, but was best fit by a quadratic function between quadrants. We conclude that RSFCs within and between lower visual areas are retinotopically organized. Correlation-based FC is nonselectively high across lower visual areas, even between regions that do not share direct anatomical connections. The mechanisms likely involve network effects caused by the dense anatomical connectivity within this network and projections from higher visual areas. FC based on partial correlation, which minimizes network effects, follows expectations based on direct anatomical connections in the monkey visual cortex better than correlation. Last, partial correlation-based retinotopically organized RSFC reflects more than cortical distance effects. PMID:26415043

Partial Correlation-Based Retinotopically Organized Resting-State Functional Connectivity Within and Between Areas of the Visual Cortex Reflects More Than Cortical Distance.

PubMed

Dawson, Debra Ann; Lam, Jack; Lewis, Lindsay B; Carbonell, Felix; Mendola, Janine D; Shmuel, Amir

2016-02-01

Numerous studies have demonstrated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between cortical areas. Recent evidence suggests that synchronous fluctuations in blood oxygenation level-dependent fMRI reflect functional organization at a scale finer than that of visual areas. In this study, we investigated whether RSFCs within and between lower visual areas are retinotopically organized and whether retinotopically organized RSFC merely reflects cortical distance. Subjects underwent retinotopic mapping and separately resting-state fMRI. Visual areas V1, V2, and V3, were subdivided into regions of interest (ROIs) according to quadrants and visual field eccentricity. Functional connectivity (FC) was computed based on Pearson's linear correlation (correlation), and Pearson's linear partial correlation (correlation between two time courses after the time courses from all other regions in the network are regressed out). Within a quadrant, within visual areas, all correlation and nearly all partial correlation FC measures showed statistical significance. Consistently in V1, V2, and to a lesser extent in V3, correlation decreased with increasing eccentricity separation. Consistent with previously reported monkey anatomical connectivity, correlation/partial correlation values between regions from adjacent areas (V1-V2 and V2-V3) were higher than those between nonadjacent areas (V1-V3). Within a quadrant, partial correlation showed consistent significance between regions from two different areas with the same or adjacent eccentricities. Pairs of ROIs with similar eccentricity showed higher correlation/partial correlation than pairs distant in eccentricity. Between dorsal and ventral quadrants, partial correlation between common and adjacent eccentricity regions within a visual area showed statistical significance; this extended to more distant eccentricity regions in V1. Within and between quadrants, correlation decreased approximately linearly with increasing distances separating the tested ROIs. Partial correlation showed a more complex dependence on cortical distance: it decreased exponentially with increasing distance within a quadrant, but was best fit by a quadratic function between quadrants. We conclude that RSFCs within and between lower visual areas are retinotopically organized. Correlation-based FC is nonselectively high across lower visual areas, even between regions that do not share direct anatomical connections. The mechanisms likely involve network effects caused by the dense anatomical connectivity within this network and projections from higher visual areas. FC based on partial correlation, which minimizes network effects, follows expectations based on direct anatomical connections in the monkey visual cortex better than correlation. Last, partial correlation-based retinotopically organized RSFC reflects more than cortical distance effects.

RPI-AM and RPI-AF, a pair of mesh-based, size-adjustable adult male and female computational phantoms using ICRP-89 parameters and their calculations for organ doses from monoenergetic photon beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Juying; Hum Na, Yong; Caracappa, Peter F.; Xu, X. George

2009-10-01

This paper describes the development of a pair of adult male and adult female computational phantoms that are compatible with anatomical parameters for the 50th percentile population as specified by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The phantoms were designed entirely using polygonal mesh surfaces—a Boundary REPresentation (BREP) geometry that affords the ability to efficiently deform the shape and size of individual organs, as well as the body posture. A set of surface mesh models, from Anatomium™ 3D P1 V2.0, including 140 organs (out of 500 available) was adopted to supply the basic anatomical representation at the organ level. The organ masses were carefully adjusted to agree within 0.5% relative error with the reference values provided in the ICRP Publication 89. The finalized phantoms have been designated the RPI adult male (RPI-AM) and adult female (RPI-AF) phantoms. For the purposes of organ dose calculations using the MCNPX Monte Carlo code, these phantoms were subsequently converted to voxel formats. Monoenergetic photons between 10 keV and 10 MeV in six standard external photon source geometries were considered in this study: four parallel beams (anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, left lateral and right lateral), one rotational and one isotropic. The results are tabulated as fluence-to-organ-absorbed-dose conversion coefficients and fluence-to-effective-dose conversion coefficients and compared against those derived from the ICRP computational phantoms, REX and REGINA. A general agreement was found for the effective dose from these two sets of phantoms for photon energies greater than about 300 keV. However, for low-energy photons and certain individual organs, the absorbed doses exhibit profound differences due to specific anatomical features. For example, the position of the arms affects the dose to the lung by more than 20% below 300 keV in the lateral source directions, and the vertical position of the testes affects the dose by more than 80% below 150 keV in the PA source direction. The deformability and adjustability of organs and posture in the RPI adult phantoms may prove useful not only for average workers or patients for radiation protection purposes, but also in studies involving anatomical and posture variability that is important in future radiation protection dosimetry.

Utility of Interobserver Agreement Statistics in Establishing Radiology Resident Learning Curves During Self-directed Radiologic Anatomy Training.

PubMed

Tureli, Derya; Altas, Hilal; Cengic, Ismet; Ekinci, Gazanfer; Baltacioglu, Feyyaz

2015-10-01

The aim of the study was to ascertain the learning curves for the radiology residents when first introduced to an anatomic structure in magnetic resonance images (MRI) to which they have not been previously exposed to. The iliolumbar ligament is a good marker for testing learning curves of radiology residents because the ligament is not part of a routine lumbar MRI reporting and has high variability in detection. Four radiologists, three residents without previous training and one mentor, studied standard axial T1- and T2-weighted images of routine lumbar MRI examinations. Radiologists had to define iliolumbar ligament while blinded to each other's findings. Interobserver agreement analyses, namely Cohen and Fleiss κ statistics, were performed for groups of 20 cases to evaluate the self-learning curve of radiology residents. Mean κ values of resident-mentor pairs were 0.431, 0.608, 0.604, 0.826, and 0.963 in the analysis of successive groups (P < .001). The results indicate that the concordance between the experienced and inexperienced radiologists started as weak (κ <0.5) and gradually became very acceptable (κ >0.8). Therefore, a junior radiology resident can obtain enough experience in identifying a rather ambiguous anatomic structure in routine MRI after a brief instruction of a few minutes by a mentor and studying approximately 80 cases by oneself. Implementing this methodology will help radiology educators obtain more concrete ideas on the optimal time and effort required for supported self-directed visual learning processes in resident education. Copyright © 2015 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment of Mandibular Condyle Fractures Using a Modified Transparotid Approach via the Parotid Mini-Incision: Experience with 31 Cases

PubMed Central

Shi, Jun; Yuan, Hao; Xu, Bing

2013-01-01

Surgery for mandibular condyle fractures must allow direct vision of the fracture, reduce surgical trauma and achieve reduction and fixation while avoiding facial nerve injury. This prospective study was conducted to introduce a new surgical approach for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condyle fractures using a modified transparotid approach via the parotid mini-incision, and surgical outcomes were evaluated. The modified transparotid approach via the parotid mini-incision was applied and rigid internal fixation using a small titanium plate was carried out for 36 mandibular condyle fractures in 31 cases. Postoperative follow-up of patients ranged from 3 to 26 months; in the first 3 months after surgery, outcomes for all patients were analyzed by evaluating the degree of mouth opening, occlusal relationship, facial nerve function and results of imaging studies. The occlusal relationships were excellent in all patients and none had symptoms of intraoperative ipsilateral facial nerve injury. The mean degree of mouth opening was 4.0 (maximum 4.8 cm, minimum 3.0 cm). No mandibular deviations were noted in any patient during mouth opening. CT showed complete anatomical reduction of the mandibular condyle fracture in all patients. The modified transparotid approach via the smaller, easily concealed parotid mini-incision is minimally invasive and achieves anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation with a simplified procedure that directly exposes the fracture site. Study results showed that this procedure is safe and feasible for treating mandibular condyle fracture, and offers a short operative path, protection of the facial nerve and satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. PMID:24386221

[The anatomy of a reduced skull model--visualisation of Leonardo da Vinci's anthropology].

PubMed

Ahner, E

2008-04-02

The article focuses on a rare example of a miniature skull of unknown origin. The profoundness of the anatomical details, conjoint with outstanding virtuosity, reminds of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical skull studies and asks for additional interpretation beside the emblematic "memento mori"-character. Following the miscellaneous topics of his skull studies an anatomical-anthropological interpretation is proposed. For such a project the mergence of anthropology, history of medicine and history of art was mandatory. Concerning some discrepancies within the anatomical realism, the depiction of a pathology is discussed and beyond the visualisation of a historic concept of brain function.

Using ring width correlations to study the effects of plantation density on wood density and anatomical properties of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.)

Treesearch

J. Y. Zhu; C. T. Scott; K. L. Scallon; G. C. Myers

2006-01-01

This study demonstrated that average ring width (or average annual radial growth rate) is a reliable parameter to quantify the effects of tree plantation ndensity (growth suppression) on wood density and tracheid anatomical properties. The average ring width successfully correlated wood density and tracheid anatomical properties of red pines (Pinus resinosa Ait.) from...

Anatomy of the sural nerve: cadaver study and literature review.

PubMed

Riedl, Otto; Frey, Manfred

2013-04-01

The sural nerve is commonly used as donor for nerve grafting. Contrary to its constant retromalleolar position, formation and course of the proximal sural nerve show great variability. The coexistence of different and deceptive terminologies contributes to the complexity, and reviewing the international literature is confusing. Because detailed anatomical knowledge is essential for efficient and safe sural nerve harvesting, this study aims to bring clarity. Previous sural nerve reports listed in the PubMed database and established anatomical textbooks were reviewed. Different terminologies were compared and adjusted. Anatomical details and variations were noted. Subtle prospective anatomical dissections and comparison with actual data followed. Two hundred twenty-one relevant reports were identified and worked up going back to the nineteenth century. Fourteen established German and English language anatomical textbooks were reviewed. Thirty lower limbs were dissected. In total, this study pools the information of more than 2500 sural nerves. This study covers all information about the sural nerve anatomy published internationally. The coexistence of different and confusing terminologies is pinpointed and adjusted to allow comparison of previous reports and to gain a coordinated data pool of more than 2500 investigated sural nerves. Detailed features are clearly described and summarized, findings from the authors' own prospective dissections complete these data, and the prior existing anatomical confusion is resolved. Finally, clinical implications are described.

Statistical Analyses of Femur Parameters for Designing Anatomical Plates.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; He, Kunjin; Chen, Zhengming

2016-01-01

Femur parameters are key prerequisites for scientifically designing anatomical plates. Meanwhile, individual differences in femurs present a challenge to design well-fitting anatomical plates. Therefore, to design anatomical plates more scientifically, analyses of femur parameters with statistical methods were performed in this study. The specific steps were as follows. First, taking eight anatomical femur parameters as variables, 100 femur samples were classified into three classes with factor analysis and Q-type cluster analysis. Second, based on the mean parameter values of the three classes of femurs, three sizes of average anatomical plates corresponding to the three classes of femurs were designed. Finally, based on Bayes discriminant analysis, a new femur could be assigned to the proper class. Thereafter, the average anatomical plate suitable for that new femur was selected from the three available sizes of plates. Experimental results showed that the classification of femurs was quite reasonable based on the anatomical aspects of the femurs. For instance, three sizes of condylar buttress plates were designed. Meanwhile, 20 new femurs are judged to which classes the femurs belong. Thereafter, suitable condylar buttress plates were determined and selected.

Anatomical location of metastatic lymph nodes: an indispensable prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection.

PubMed

Zhao, Bochao; Zhang, Jingting; Zhang, Jiale; Chen, Xiuxiu; Chen, Junqing; Wang, Zhenning; Xu, Huimian; Huang, Baojun

2018-02-01

Although the numeric-based lymph node (LN) staging was widely used in the worldwide, it did not represent the anatomical location of metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) and not reflect extent of LN dissection. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether the anatomical location of MLNs was still necessary to evaluate the prognosis of node-positive gastric cancer (GC) patients. We reviewed 1451 GC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy in our institution between January 1986 and January 2008. All patients were reclassified into several groups according to the anatomical location of MLNs and the number of MLNs. The prognostic differences between different patient groups were compared and clinicopathologic features were analyzed. In the present study, both anatomical location of MLNs and the number of MLNs were identified as the independent prognostic factors (p < .01). The patients with extraperigastric LN involvement showed a poorer prognosis compared with the perigastric-only group (p < .001). For the N1-N2 stage patients, the prognostic discrepancy was still observed among them when the anatomical location of MLNs was considered (p < .05). For the N3-stage patients, although the anatomical location of MLNs had no significant effect on the prognosis of these patients, the higher number of MLNs in the extraperigastric area was correlated with the unfavorable prognosis (p < .05). The anatomical location of MLNs was an important factor influencing the prognostic outcome of GC patients. To provide more accurate prognostic information for GC patients, the anatomical location of MLNs should not be ignored.

Feasibility of ultrasound-guided epidural access at the lumbo-sacral space in dogs.

PubMed

Liotta, Annalisa; Busoni, Valeria; Carrozzo, Maria Valentina; Sandersen, Charlotte; Gabriel, Annick; Bolen, Géraldine

2015-01-01

Epidural injections are commonly performed blindly in veterinary medicine. The aims of this study were to describe the lumbosacral ultrasonographic anatomy and to assess the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided epidural injection technique in dogs. A cross sectional anatomic atlas of the lumbosacral region and ex vivo ultrasound images were obtained in two cadavers to describe the ultrasound anatomy and to identify the landmarks. Sixteen normal weight canine cadavers were used to establish two variations of the technique for direct ultrasound-guided injection, using spinal needles or epidural catheters. The technique was finally performed in two normal weight cadavers, in two overweight cadavers and in five live dogs with radiographic abnormalities resulting of the lumbosacral spine. Contrast medium was injected and CT was used to assess the success of the injection. The anatomic landmarks to carry out the procedure were the seventh lumbar vertebra, the iliac wings, and the first sacral vertebra. The target for directing the needle was the trapezoid-shaped echogenic zone between the contiguous articular facets of the lumbosacral vertebral canal visualized in a parasagittal plane. The spinal needle or epidural catheter was inserted in a 45° craniodorsal-caudoventral direction through the subcutaneous tissue and the interarcuate ligament until reaching the epidural space. CT examination confirmed the presence of contrast medium in the epidural space in 25/25 dogs, although a variable contamination of the subarachnoid space was also noted. Findings indicated that this ultrasound-guided epidural injection technique is feasible for normal weight and overweight dogs, with and without radiographic abnormalities of the spine. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

A guide for effective anatomical vascularization studies: useful ex vivo methods for both CT and MRI imaging before dissection.

PubMed

Renard, Yohann; Hossu, Gabriela; Chen, Bailiang; Krebs, Marine; Labrousse, Marc; Perez, Manuela

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to develop a simple and useful injection protocol for imaging cadaveric vascularization and dissection. Mixtures of contrast agent and cast product should provide adequate contrast for two types of ex vivo imaging (MRI and CT) and should harden to allow gross dissection of the injected structures. We tested the most popular contrast agents and cast products, and selected the optimal mixture composition based on their availability and ease of use. All mixtures were first tested in vitro to adjust dilution parameters of each contrast agent and to fine-tune MR imaging acquisition sequences. Mixtures were then injected in 24 pig livers and one human pancreas for MR and computed tomography (CT) imaging before anatomical dissection. Colorized latex, gadobutrol and barite mixture met the above objective. Mixtures composed of copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) gadoxetic acid (for MRI) and iodine (for CT) gave an inhomogeneous signal or extravasation of the contrast agent. Agar did not harden sufficiently for gross dissection but appears useful for CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies without dissection. Silicone was very hard to inject but achieved the goals of the study. Resin is particularly difficult to use but could replace latex as an alternative for corrosion instead of dissection. This injection protocol allows CT and MRI images to be obtained of cadaveric vascularization and anatomical casts in the same anatomic specimen. Post-imaging processing software allow easy 3D reconstruction of complex anatomical structures using this technique. Applications are numerous, e.g. surgical training, teaching methods, postmortem anatomic studies, pathologic studies, and forensic diagnoses. © 2017 Anatomical Society.

Two- and Three-Dimensional Anatomy of Paranasal Sinuses in Arabian Foals

PubMed Central

BAHAR, Sadullah; BOLAT, Durmus; DAYAN, Mustafa Orhun; PAKSOY, Yahya

2013-01-01

ABSTRACT The 2- and 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy and the morphometric properties of the paranasal sinuses of the foal have received little or no attention in the literature. The aim of this study was to obtain details of the paranasal sinuses using multiplane CT imaging to create 3D models and to determine morphological and morphometric data for the sinuses using the 3D models. The heads of five female foals were used in this study. The heads were scanned using computed tomography (CT) in the rostrocaudal direction. After the heads had been frozen, anatomical sections were obtained in the scan position. The 3D models of sinuses and the skull were prepared using MIMICS®. These models were used to assess the surface area and volume of the sinuses, the width, height and orientation of the apertures connecting these sinuses and finally the planar relation of the sinuses with the skull. The right and left sides of all anatomical structures, except the sphenoid sinuses, had symmetric organization on CT images and anatomical sections. The total sinus surface area and volume on both sides were 214.4 cm2 and 72.9 ml, respectively. The largest and the smallest sinuses were the frontal sinus (41.5 ml) and the middle conchal sinus (0.2 ml), respectively. It was found that the planes bounding the sinuses passed through easily palpable points on the head. In conclusion, 3D modeling in combination with conventional sectional imaging of the paranasal sinuses of the foal may help anatomists, radiologists, clinicians and veterinary students. PMID:24004969

Radiographic and anatomic basis for prostate contouring errors and methods to improve prostate contouring accuracy.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Patrick W; Evans, Cheryl; Feng, Mary; Narayana, Vrinda

2010-02-01

Use of highly conformal radiation for prostate cancer can lead to both overtreatment of surrounding normal tissues and undertreatment of the prostate itself. In this retrospective study we analyzed the radiographic and anatomic basis of common errors in computed tomography (CT) contouring and suggest methods to correct them. Three hundred patients with prostate cancer underwent CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prostate was delineated independently on the data sets. CT and MRI contours were compared by use of deformable registration. Errors in target delineation were analyzed and methods to avoid such errors detailed. Contouring errors were identified at the prostatic apex, mid gland, and base on CT. At the apex, the genitourinary diaphragm, rectum, and anterior fascia contribute to overestimation. At the mid prostate, the anterior and lateral fasciae contribute to overestimation. At the base, the bladder and anterior fascia contribute to anterior overestimation. Transition zone hypertrophy and bladder neck variability contribute to errors of overestimation and underestimation at the superior base, whereas variable prostate-to-seminal vesicle relationships with prostate hypertrophy contribute to contouring errors at the posterior base. Most CT contouring errors can be detected by (1) inspection of a lateral view of prostate contours to detect projection from the expected globular form and (2) recognition of anatomic structures (genitourinary diaphragm) on the CT scans that are clearly visible on MRI. This study shows that many CT prostate contouring errors can be improved without direct incorporation of MRI data. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Two- and three-dimensional anatomy of paranasal sinuses in Arabian foals.

PubMed

Bahar, Sadullah; Bolat, Durmus; Dayan, Mustafa Orhun; Paksoy, Yahya

2014-01-01

The 2- and 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy and the morphometric properties of the paranasal sinuses of the foal have received little or no attention in the literature. The aim of this study was to obtain details of the paranasal sinuses using multiplane CT imaging to create 3D models and to determine morphological and morphometric data for the sinuses using the 3D models. The heads of five female foals were used in this study. The heads were scanned using computed tomography (CT) in the rostrocaudal direction. After the heads had been frozen, anatomical sections were obtained in the scan position. The 3D models of sinuses and the skull were prepared using MIMICS(®). These models were used to assess the surface area and volume of the sinuses, the width, height and orientation of the apertures connecting these sinuses and finally the planar relation of the sinuses with the skull. The right and left sides of all anatomical structures, except the sphenoid sinuses, had symmetric organization on CT images and anatomical sections. The total sinus surface area and volume on both sides were 214.4 cm(2) and 72.9 ml, respectively. The largest and the smallest sinuses were the frontal sinus (41.5 ml) and the middle conchal sinus (0.2 ml), respectively. It was found that the planes bounding the sinuses passed through easily palpable points on the head. In conclusion, 3D modeling in combination with conventional sectional imaging of the paranasal sinuses of the foal may help anatomists, radiologists, clinicians and veterinary students.

Monitoring the use of anatomical teaching material using a low-cost radio frequency identification system: A comprehensive assessment.

PubMed

Noël, Geoffroy P J C; Connolly, Ciaran C

2016-01-01

The correct tracking and monitoring of anatomical specimens is not only imperative in any modern body donation programs but also in any universities for which teaching the next generation of health care professionals is the primary mission. This has long been an arduous process for anatomy institutions across the world, and the recent focus of new curricula on self-directed learning adds new stress on specimens which are used by students. The radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been proposed as a very effective tracking system in healthcare considering that it enables automatic identification and data capture of multiple items at once. In this study, the feasibility of a low-cost RFID inventory system is assessed, from its design to the performance of commercially available RFID tags in a gross anatomy laboratory. The results show that ultrahigh frequency-based RFID tags successfully performed when attached to a collection of 112 plastinated and 280 wet dissected specimens. Comparison analysis of different tags reveals, however, that careful selection of RFID tags needs to be considered when wet specimens need to be tracked as preservation fluids can absorb radio waves energy. This study demonstrates that it is economically feasible to incorporate RFID technology to closely monitor the use of anatomical teaching specimens. The described RFID inventory system was not only able to preserve the integrity of the specimens being used by limiting handling and therefore human error but was also able to identify missing or misplaced specimens and to update their status. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.

Meniscus Induced Cartilaginous Damage and Non-linear Gross Anatomical Progression of Early-stage Osteoarthritis in a Canine Model

PubMed Central

Kahn, David; Mittelstaedt, Daniel; Matyas, John; Qu, Xiangui; Lee, Ji Hyun; Badar, Farid; Les, Clifford; Zhuang, Zhiguo; Xia, Yang

2016-01-01

Background: The predictable outcome of the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) canine model, and the similarity to naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in humans, provide a translatable method for studying OA. Still, evidence of direct meniscus-induced cartilaginous damage has not been identified, and gross-anatomical blinded scoring of early-stage OA has not been performed. Objective: A gross anatomical observation and statistical analysis of OA progression to determine meniscus induced cartilaginous damage, to measure the macroscopic progression of OA, and to address matters involving arthroscopic and surgical procedures of the knee. Method: Unblinded assessment and blinded scoring of meniscal, tibial, femoral, and patellar damage were performed for control and at four time points following unilateral ACLT: 3-week (N=4), 8-week (N=4), 12-week (N=5), and 25-week (N=4). Mixed-model statistics illustrates damage (score) progression; Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared time-point scores; and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared ACLT and contralateral scores, and meniscus and tibia scores. Result: Damage was manifest first on the posterior aspect of the medial meniscus and subsequently on the tibia and femur, implying meniscal damage can precede, coincide with, and aggravate cartilage damage. Damage extent varied chronologically and was dependent upon the joint component. Meniscal damage was evident at 3 weeks and progressed through 25-weeks. Meniscal loose bodies corresponded to tibial cartilage damage location and extent through 12 weeks, followed by cartilage repair activity after complete meniscal degeneration. Conclusion: This study provides additional information for understanding OA progression, identifying OA biomarkers, and arthroscopic and meniscectomy procedures. PMID:28144379

Effect of restoration technique on stress distribution in roots with flared canals: an FEA study.

PubMed

Belli, Sema; Eraslan, Öznur; Eraslan, Oğuz; Eskitaşcıoğlu, Gürcan

2014-04-01

The aim of this finite element analysis (FEA) study was to test the effect of different restorative techniques on stress distribution in roots with flared canals. Five three-dimensional (3D) FEA models that simulated a maxillary incisor with excessive structure loss and flared root canals were created and restored with the following techniques/materials: 1) a prefabricated post: 2) one main and two accessory posts; 3) i-TFC post-core (Sun Medical); 4) the thickness of the root was increased by using composite resin and the root was then restored using a prefabricated post; 5) an anatomic post was created by using composite resin and a prefabricated glass-fiber post. Composite cores and ceramic crowns were created. A 300-N static load was applied at the center of the palatal surface of the tooth to calculate stress distributions. SolidWorks/Cosmosworks structural analysis programs were used for FEA analysis. The analysis of the von Mises and tensile stress values revealed that prefabricated post, accessory post, and i-TFC post systems showed similar stress distributions. They all showed high stress areas at the buccal side of the root (3.67 MPa) and in the cervical region of the root (> 3.67 MPa) as well as low stress accumulation within the post space (0 to 1 MPa). The anatomic post kept the stress within its body and directed less stress towards the remaining tooth structure. The creation of an anatomic post may save the remaining tooth structure in roots with flared canals by reducing the stress levels.

Developmental anatomy of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Aurora’) shoot regeneration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The culture of Vaccinium corymbosum L. ’Aurora’ leaves on regeneration medium results in the regeneration of adventitious shoots. We present anatomical evidence that these new shoot apices are directly regenerated from the cultured blades. Mounds of densely staining cells, which formed from epidermi...

Labeling for Big Data in radiation oncology: The Radiation Oncology Structures ontology.

PubMed

Bibault, Jean-Emmanuel; Zapletal, Eric; Rance, Bastien; Giraud, Philippe; Burgun, Anita

2018-01-01

Leveraging Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Oncology Information Systems (OIS) has great potential to generate hypotheses for cancer treatment, since they directly provide medical data on a large scale. In order to gather a significant amount of patients with a high level of clinical details, multicenter studies are necessary. A challenge in creating high quality Big Data studies involving several treatment centers is the lack of semantic interoperability between data sources. We present the ontology we developed to address this issue. Radiation Oncology anatomical and target volumes were categorized in anatomical and treatment planning classes. International delineation guidelines specific to radiation oncology were used for lymph nodes areas and target volumes. Hierarchical classes were created to generate The Radiation Oncology Structures (ROS) Ontology. The ROS was then applied to the data from our institution. Four hundred and seventeen classes were created with a maximum of 14 children classes (average = 5). The ontology was then converted into a Web Ontology Language (.owl) format and made available online on Bioportal and GitHub under an Apache 2.0 License. We extracted all structures delineated in our department since the opening in 2001. 20,758 structures were exported from our "record-and-verify" system, demonstrating a significant heterogeneity within a single center. All structures were matched to the ROS ontology before integration into our clinical data warehouse (CDW). In this study we describe a new ontology, specific to radiation oncology, that reports all anatomical and treatment planning structures that can be delineated. This ontology will be used to integrate dosimetric data in the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris CDW that stores data from 6.5 million patients (as of February 2017).

Endoscopic endonasal approach to the anteromedial temporal fossa and mobilization of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus through the inferior orbital fissure and V1-V2 corridor: An anatomical study and clinical considerations.

PubMed

Hanakita, Shunya; Chang, Wei-Chieh; Watanabe, Kentaro; Ronconi, Daniel; Labidi, Moujahed; Park, Hun-Ho; Oyama, Kenichi; Bernat, Anne-Laure; Froelich, Sebastien

2018-04-27

The aim of this study was to identify key anatomical landmarks useful in gaining access to the anteromedial temporal region via the corridor formed by the inferior orbital fissure (IOF), the ophthalmic branch (V1), and the maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve via the EEA. An anatomical dissection of six cadaver heads was performed to confirm the feasibility and applicability of the EEA for accessing the anteromedial temporal region. Following middle turbinectomy, the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus was opened, the orbital apex exposed, and the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus was removed, in sequence. The IOF and the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) were then identified. After opening the foramen rotundum (FR) and removing the bony structure between the FR, V2 was transposed downward. The orbital muscle of Müller was removed. The PPF was mobilized downward exposing the greater wing of the sphenoid bone (GWS). The GWS between V1 and V2 was drilled, thus exposing the temporal dura. With blunt dissection, the medial temporal dura was peeled away from the cavernous sinus (CS) in order to increase access to the anteromedial temporal region. In this study, the anteromedial temporal fossa was exposed by drilling the V1-V2 triangle corridor via the EEA. Endoscopic endonasal exposure of the anteromedial temporal fossa is feasible and requires limited endonasal work. This approach may be considered as an alternate surgical corridor to the temporomesial lobe that offers the advantages of a direct route with less temporal lobe retraction. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Labeling for Big Data in radiation oncology: The Radiation Oncology Structures ontology

PubMed Central

Zapletal, Eric; Rance, Bastien; Giraud, Philippe; Burgun, Anita

2018-01-01

Purpose Leveraging Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Oncology Information Systems (OIS) has great potential to generate hypotheses for cancer treatment, since they directly provide medical data on a large scale. In order to gather a significant amount of patients with a high level of clinical details, multicenter studies are necessary. A challenge in creating high quality Big Data studies involving several treatment centers is the lack of semantic interoperability between data sources. We present the ontology we developed to address this issue. Methods Radiation Oncology anatomical and target volumes were categorized in anatomical and treatment planning classes. International delineation guidelines specific to radiation oncology were used for lymph nodes areas and target volumes. Hierarchical classes were created to generate The Radiation Oncology Structures (ROS) Ontology. The ROS was then applied to the data from our institution. Results Four hundred and seventeen classes were created with a maximum of 14 children classes (average = 5). The ontology was then converted into a Web Ontology Language (.owl) format and made available online on Bioportal and GitHub under an Apache 2.0 License. We extracted all structures delineated in our department since the opening in 2001. 20,758 structures were exported from our “record-and-verify” system, demonstrating a significant heterogeneity within a single center. All structures were matched to the ROS ontology before integration into our clinical data warehouse (CDW). Conclusion In this study we describe a new ontology, specific to radiation oncology, that reports all anatomical and treatment planning structures that can be delineated. This ontology will be used to integrate dosimetric data in the Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris CDW that stores data from 6.5 million patients (as of February 2017). PMID:29351341

An Investigation of Anatomical Competence in Junior Medical Doctors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vorstenbosch, Marc A. T. M.; Kooloos, Jan G. M.; Bolhuis, Sanneke M.; Laan, Roland F. J. M.

2016-01-01

Because of a decrease of the time available for anatomy education, decisions need to be made to reduce the relevant content of the anatomy curriculum. Several expert consensus initiatives resulted in lists of structures, lacking analysis of anatomical competence. This study aims to explore the use of anatomical knowledge by medical doctors in an…

Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model for Blast-Related Fluid-Structure Interaction Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

ARL-TR-7945 ● FEB 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe...ARL-TR-7945 ● FEB 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Development of an Anatomically Accurate Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model... Finite Element Human Ocular Globe Model for Blast-Related Fluid-Structure Interaction Studies 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM

Characteristics and contributing factors related to sports injuries in young volleyball players

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The participation of young in volleyball is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the risk of installation of sports injuries. Therefore, the objectives the study were identify the characteristics of sports injuries in young volleyball players and associate anthropometric and training variables with contributing factors for injuries. Methods A total of 522 volleyball players participating in the High School Olympic Games of the State of São Paulo (Brazil) were interviewed. A reported condition inquiry was used to gather information on injuries, such as anatomic site affected, mechanism and moment of injury, as well as personal and training data. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results A 19% frequency of injuries was found. Higher age, weight, height, body mass index and training duration values were associated with the occurrence of injuries. The most affected anatomic site was the ankle/foot complex (45 injuries, 36.3%). Direct contact and contactless mechanisms were the main causes of injuries (61 injuries; 49.2% and 48 injuries; 38.7%, respectively). Training was the moment in which most injuries occurred (93 injuries; 75%), independently of personal and training characteristics. Conclusion Injuries affected the ankle/foot complex with a greater frequency. Direct contact and contactless mechanisms were the most frequently reported and injuries occurred mainly during training sessions. Personal and training characteristics were contributing factors for the occurrence of injuries. PMID:24124803

Influence of anisotropic conductivity in the skull and white matter on transcranial direct current stimulation via an anatomically realistic finite element head model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suh, Hyun Sang; Lee, Won Hee; Kim, Tae-Seong

2012-11-01

To establish safe and efficient transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), it is of particular importance to understand the electrical effects of tDCS in the brain. Since the current density (CD) and electric field (EF) in the brain generated by tDCS depend on various factors including complex head geometries and electrical tissue properties, in this work, we investigated the influence of anisotropic conductivity in the skull and white matter (WM) on tDCS via a 3D anatomically realistic finite element head model. We systematically incorporated various anisotropic conductivity ratios into the skull and WM. The effects of anisotropic tissue conductivity on the CD and EF were subsequently assessed through comparisons to the conventional isotropic solutions. Our results show that the anisotropic skull conductivity significantly affects the CD and EF distribution: there is a significant reduction in the ratio of the target versus non-target total CD and EF on the order of 12-14%. In contrast, the WM anisotropy does not significantly influence the CD and EF on the targeted cortical surface, only on the order of 1-3%. However, the WM anisotropy highly alters the spatial distribution of both the CD and EF inside the brain. This study shows that it is critical to incorporate anisotropic conductivities in planning of tDCS for improved efficacy and safety.

The alignment of the knee joint in relationship to age and osteoarthritis: the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Study.

PubMed

Laxafoss, Erling; Jacobsen, Steffen; Gosvig, Kasper K; Sonne-Holm, Stig

2013-04-01

The aim of the present study was to describe the changes in the axis of the knee joint in both radiologically osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic knees, on the basis of angles measurable in standardized clinical short knee radiographs, in a cross sectional study of an epidemiological cohort. From the third inclusion of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, 4,151 subjects were selected for standardized radiography of the knees. After censuring the inclusion, the resulting cohort was comprised of 3,488 individuals. Images were analyzed for radiological knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) and the anatomical femorotibial axis of the knee joint was measured. The prevalence of knee joint OA in males was 27.9% and 27.5%, for the left and right knees respectively. In females this was 32.8% and 36.4%. The mean knee joint angles were 4.11° in males; and 5.45° in females. A difference of 1.3° was found between the genders. In non-osteoarthritic knees the increase in valgus orientation in relationship to increasing age was found to be 0.03° and 0.04° per year, respectively, for males and females. Likewise, Kellgren and Lawrence found that OA was seen to influence a shift towards varus of 0.55°-0.76° per level of OA. Stratification in accordance with morphological severity of OA documented a clear tendency for the axis of the diseased knees to depart from the mean, primarily in the direction of varus. In knees exhibiting no signs of radiographic osteoarthritis we found a significant relationship between increasing age and a shift in the anatomical axis in the direction of valgus.

The transverse ligament as a landmark for tibial sagittal insertions of the anterior cruciate ligament: a cadaveric study.

PubMed

Kongcharoensombat, Wirat; Ochi, Mitsuo; Abouheif, Mohamed; Adachi, Nobuo; Ohkawa, Shingo; Kamei, Goki; Okuhara, Atushi; Shibuya, Hoyatoshi; Niimoto, Takuya; Nakasa, Tomoyuki; Nakamae, Atsuo; Deie, Masataka

2011-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the position of the transverse ligament, the anterior edge of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial footprint, and the center of the ACL tibial insertion. We used arthroscopy for localization of the anatomic landmarks, followed by insertions of guide pins under direct visualization, and then the position of these guide pins was checked on plain lateral radiographs. The transverse ligament and the anterior aspect of the ACL tibial footprint were identified by arthroscopy in 20 unpaired cadaveric knees (10 left and 10 right). Guide pins were inserted with tibial ACL adapter drill guides under direct observation at the transverse ligament, the anterior aspect of the tibial footprint, and the center of tibial insertion of the ACL. Then, plain lateral radiographs of specimens were taken. The Amis and Jakob line was used to define the attachment of the ACL tibial insertion and the transverse ligament. A sagittal percentage of the location of the insertion point was determined and calculated from the anterior margin of the tibia in the anteroposterior direction. The transverse ligament averaged 21.20% ± 4.1%, the anterior edge of the ACL tibial insertion averaged 21.60% ± 4.0%, and the center of the ACL tibial insertion averaged 40.30% ± 4.8%. There were similar percent variations between the transverse ligament and the anterior edge of the ACL tibial insertion, with no significant difference between them (P = .38). Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was high, with small standard errors of measurement. This study shows that the transverse ligament coincides with the anterior edge of the ACL tibial footprint in the sagittal plane. The transverse ligament can be considered as a new landmark for tibial tunnel positioning during anatomic ACL reconstruction. Copyright © 2011 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy outcomes among patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and uterine anatomic abnormalities.

PubMed

Gabbai, Daniel; Harlev, Avi; Friger, Michael; Steiner, Naama; Sergienko, Ruslan; Kreinin, Andrey; Bashiri, Asher

2017-07-25

Different etiologies for recurrent pregnancy loss have been identified, among them are: anatomical, endocrine, genetic, chromosomal and thrombophilia pathologies. To assess medical and obstetric characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes, among women with uterine abnormalities and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study also aims to assess the impact of uterine anatomic surgical correction on pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective case control study of 313 patients with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses followed by a subsequent (index) pregnancy. Anatomic abnormalities were detected in 80 patients. All patients were evaluated and treated in the RPL clinic at Soroka University Medical Center. Out of 80 patients with uterine anatomic abnormalities, 19 underwent surgical correction, 32 did not and 29 had no clear record of surgical intervention, and thus were excluded from this study. Women with anatomic abnormalities had a higher rate of previous cesarean section (18.8% vs. 8.6%, P=0.022), tended to have a lower number of previous live births (1.05 vs. 1.37, P=0.07), and a higher rate of preterm delivery (22.9% vs. 10%, P=0.037). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, anatomic abnormality was identified as an independent risk factor for RPL in patients with previous cesarean section after controlling for place of residence, positive genetic/autoimmune/endocrine workup, and fertility problems (OR 7.22; 95% CI 1.17-44.54, P=0.03). Women suffering from anatomic abnormalities tended to have a higher rate of pregnancy loss compared to those without anatomic abnormalities (40% vs. 30.9%, P=0.2). The difference in pregnancy loss rate among women who underwent surgical correction compared to those who did not was not statistically significant. In patients with previous cesarean section, uterine abnormality is an independent risk factor for pregnancy loss. Surgical correction of uterine abnormalities among RPL patients might have the potential to improve live birth rate.

Mental rotation and the human body: Children's inflexible use of embodiment mirrors that of adults.

PubMed

Krüger, Markus; Ebersbach, Mirjam

2017-12-25

Adults' mental rotation performance with body-like stimuli is enhanced if these stimuli are anatomically compatible with a human body, but decreased by anatomically incompatible stimuli. In this study, we investigated these effects for kindergartners and first-graders: When asked to mentally rotate cube configurations attached with human body parts in an anatomically compatible way, allowing for the projection of a human body, children performed better than with pure cube combinations. By contrast, when body parts were attached in an anatomically incompatible way, disallowing the projection of a human body, children performed worse than with pure combinations. This experiment is of specific interest against the background of two different theoretical approaches concerning imagery and the motor system in development: One approach assumes an increasing integration of motor processes and imagery over time that enables older children and adults to requisition motor resources for imagery processes, while the other postulates that imagery stems from early sensorimotor processes in the first place, and is disentangled from it over time. The finding that children of the two age groups tested show exactly the same effects as adults when mentally rotating anatomically compatible and incompatible stimuli is interpreted in favour of the latter approach. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? In mental rotation, adults perform better when rotating anatomically possible stimuli as compared to rotating standard cube combinations. Performance is worse when rotating anatomically impossible stimuli. What does this study add? The present study shows that children's mental transformations mirror those of adults in these respects. In case of the anatomically impossible stimuli, this highlights an inflexible use of embodiment in both age groups. This is in line with the Piagetian assumption of imagery being based on sensorimotor processes. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

A Laboratory Manual for Stepwise Cerebral White Matter Fiber Dissection.

PubMed

Koutsarnakis, Christos; Liakos, Faidon; Kalyvas, Aristotelis V; Sakas, Damianos E; Stranjalis, George

2015-08-01

White matter fiber dissection is an important method in acquiring a thorough neuroanatomic knowledge for surgical practice. Previous studies have definitely improved our understanding of intrinsic brain anatomy and emphasized on the significance of this technique in modern neurosurgery. However, current literature lacks a complete and concentrated laboratory guide about the entire dissection procedure. Hence, our primary objective is to introduce a detailed laboratory manual for cerebral white matter dissection by highlighting consecutive dissection steps, and to stress important technical comments facilitating this complex procedure. Twenty adult, formalin-fixed cerebral hemispheres were included in the study. Ten specimens were dissected in the lateromedial and 10 in the mediolateral direction, respectively, using the fiber dissection technique and the microscope. Eleven and 8 consecutive and distinctive dissection steps are recommended for the lateromedial and mediolateral dissection procedures, respectively. Photographs highlighting various anatomic landmarks accompany every step. Technical recommendations, facilitating the dissection process, are also indicated. The fiber dissection technique, although complex and time consuming, offers a three-dimensional knowledge of intrinsic brain anatomy and architecture, thus improving both the quality of microneurosurgery and the patient's standard of care. The present anatomic study provides a thorough dissection manual to those who study brain anatomy using this technique. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Variation in stem anatomical characteristics of Campanuloideae species in relation to evolutionary history and ecological preferences.

PubMed

Schweingruber, Fritz Hans; Ríha, Pavel; Doležal, Jiří

2014-01-01

The detailed knowledge of plant anatomical characters and their variation among closely related taxa is key to understanding their evolution and function. We examined anatomical variation in 46 herbaceous taxa from the subfamily Campanuloideae (Campanulaceae) to link this information with their phylogeny, ecology and comparative material of 56 woody tropical taxa from the subfamily Lobelioideae. The species studied covered major environmental gradients from Mediterranean to Arctic zones, allowing us to test hypotheses on the evolution of anatomical structure in relation to plant competitive ability and ecological preferences. To understand the evolution of anatomical diversity, we reconstructed the phylogeny of studied species from nucleotide sequences and examined the distribution of anatomical characters on the resulting phylogenetic tree. Redundancy analysis, with phylogenetic corrections, was used to separate the evolutionary inertia from the adaptation to the environment. A large anatomical diversity exists within the Campanuloideae. Traits connected with the quality of fibres were the most congruent with phylogeny, and the Rapunculus 2 ("phyteumoid") clade was especially distinguished by a number of characters (absence of fibres, pervasive parenchyma, type of rays) from two other clades (Campanula s. str. and Rapunculus 1) characterized by the dominance of fibres and the absence of parenchyma. Septate fibres are an exclusive trait in the Lobelioideae, separating it clearly from the Campanuloideae where annual rings, pervasive parenchyma and crystals in the phellem are characteristic features. Despite clear phylogenetic inertia in the anatomical features studied, the ecological attributes and plant height had a significant effect on anatomical divergence. From all three evolutionary clades, the taller species converged towards similar anatomical structure, characterized by a smaller number of early wood vessels of large diameter, thinner cell-walls and alternate intervessel pits, while the opposite trend was found in small Arctic and alpine taxa. This supports the existing generalization that narrower vessels allow plants to grow in colder places where they can avoid freezing-induced embolism, while taller plants have wider vessels to minimize hydraulic resistance with their greater path lengths.

Variation in Stem Anatomical Characteristics of Campanuloideae Species in Relation to Evolutionary History and Ecological Preferences

PubMed Central

Schweingruber, Fritz Hans; Říha, Pavel; Doležal, Jiří

2014-01-01

Background The detailed knowledge of plant anatomical characters and their variation among closely related taxa is key to understanding their evolution and function. We examined anatomical variation in 46 herbaceous taxa from the subfamily Campanuloideae (Campanulaceae) to link this information with their phylogeny, ecology and comparative material of 56 woody tropical taxa from the subfamily Lobelioideae. The species studied covered major environmental gradients from Mediterranean to Arctic zones, allowing us to test hypotheses on the evolution of anatomical structure in relation to plant competitive ability and ecological preferences. Methodology/Principal Findings To understand the evolution of anatomical diversity, we reconstructed the phylogeny of studied species from nucleotide sequences and examined the distribution of anatomical characters on the resulting phylogenetic tree. Redundancy analysis, with phylogenetic corrections, was used to separate the evolutionary inertia from the adaptation to the environment. A large anatomical diversity exists within the Campanuloideae. Traits connected with the quality of fibres were the most congruent with phylogeny, and the Rapunculus 2 (“phyteumoid”) clade was especially distinguished by a number of characters (absence of fibres, pervasive parenchyma, type of rays) from two other clades (Campanula s. str. and Rapunculus 1) characterized by the dominance of fibres and the absence of parenchyma. Septate fibres are an exclusive trait in the Lobelioideae, separating it clearly from the Campanuloideae where annual rings, pervasive parenchyma and crystals in the phellem are characteristic features. Conclusions/Significance Despite clear phylogenetic inertia in the anatomical features studied, the ecological attributes and plant height had a significant effect on anatomical divergence. From all three evolutionary clades, the taller species converged towards similar anatomical structure, characterized by a smaller number of early wood vessels of large diameter, thinner cell-walls and alternate intervessel pits, while the opposite trend was found in small Arctic and alpine taxa. This supports the existing generalization that narrower vessels allow plants to grow in colder places where they can avoid freezing-induced embolism, while taller plants have wider vessels to minimize hydraulic resistance with their greater path lengths. PMID:24586306

Mixed Reality in Visceral Surgery: Development of a Suitable Workflow and Evaluation of Intraoperative Use-cases.

PubMed

Sauer, Igor M; Queisner, Moritz; Tang, Peter; Moosburner, Simon; Hoepfner, Ole; Horner, Rosa; Lohmann, Rudiger; Pratschke, Johann

2017-11-01

The paper evaluates the application of a mixed reality (MR) headmounted display (HMD) for the visualization of anatomical structures in complex visceral-surgical interventions. A workflow was developed and technical feasibility was evaluated. Medical images are still not seamlessly integrated into surgical interventions and, thus, remain separated from the surgical procedure.Surgeons need to cognitively relate 2-dimensional sectional images to the 3-dimensional (3D) during the actual intervention. MR applications simulate 3D images and reduce the offset between working space and visualization allowing for improved spatial-visual approximation of patient and image. The surgeon's field of vision was superimposed with a 3D-model of the patient's relevant liver structures displayed on a MR-HMD. This set-up was evaluated during open hepatic surgery. A suitable workflow for segmenting image masks and texture mapping of tumors, hepatic artery, portal vein, and the hepatic veins was developed. The 3D model was positioned above the surgical site. Anatomical reassurance was possible simply by looking up. Positioning in the room was stable without drift and minimal jittering. Users reported satisfactory comfort wearing the device without significant impairment of movement. MR technology has a high potential to improve the surgeon's action and perception in open visceral surgery by displaying 3D anatomical models close to the surgical site. Superimposing anatomical structures directly onto the organs within the surgical site remains challenging, as the abdominal organs undergo major deformations due to manipulation, respiratory motion, and the interaction with the surgical instruments during the intervention. A further application scenario would be intraoperative ultrasound examination displaying the image directly next to the transducer. Displays and sensor-technologies as well as biomechanical modeling and object-recognition algorithms will facilitate the application of MR-HMD in surgery in the near future.

The "G-Spot" Is Not a Structure Evident on Macroscopic Anatomic Dissection of the Vaginal Wall.

PubMed

Hoag, Nathan; Keast, Janet R; O'Connell, Helen E

2017-12-01

Controversy exists in the literature regarding the presence or absence of an anatomic "G-spot." However, few studies have examined the detailed topographic or histologic anatomy of the putative G-spot location. To determine the anatomy of the anterior vaginal wall and present detailed, systematic, accessible findings from female cadaveric dissections to provide anatomic clarity with respect to this location. Systematic anatomic dissections were performed on 13 female cadavers (32-97 years old, 8 fixed and 5 fresh) to characterize the gross anatomy of the anterior vaginal wall. Digital photography was used to document dissections. Dissection preserved the anterior vaginal wall, urethra, and clitoris. In 9 cadavers, the vaginal epithelial layer was reflected to expose the underlying urethral wall and associated tissues. In 4 cadavers, the vaginal wall was left intact before preservation. Once photographed, 8 specimens were transversely sectioned for macroscopic inspection and histologic examination. The presence or absence of a macroscopic anatomic structure at detailed cadaveric pelvis dissection that corresponds to the previously described G-spot and gross anatomic description of the anterior vaginal wall. Deep to the lining epithelium of the anterior vaginal wall is the urethra. There is no macroscopic structure other than the urethra and vaginal wall lining in the location of the putative G-spot. Specifically, there is no apparent erectile or "spongy" tissue in the anterior vaginal wall, except where the urethra abuts the clitoris distally. The absence of an anatomic structure corresponding to the putative G-spot helps clarify the controversy on this subject. Limitations to this study include limited access to specimens immediately after death and potential for observational bias. In addition, age, medical history, and cause of death are not publishable for privacy reasons. However, it is one of the most thorough and complete anatomic evaluations documenting the anatomic detail of the anterior vaginal wall. The G-spot, in its current description, is not identified as a discrete anatomic entity at macroscopic dissection of the urethra or vaginal wall. Further insights could be provided by histologic study. Hoag N, Keast JR, O'Connell HE. The "G-Spot" Is Not a Structure Evident on Macroscopic Anatomic Dissection of the Vaginal Wall. J Sex Med 2017;14:1524-1532. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Direct measurement of capillary blood pressure in the human lip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parazynski, S. E.; Tucker, B. J.; Aratow, M.; Crenshaw, A.; Hargens, A. R.

1993-01-01

In this study, we developed and tested a new procedure for measuring microcirculatory blood pressures above heart level in humans. Capillary and postcapillary venule blood pressures were measured directly in 13 human subjects by use of the servonulling micropressure technique adapted for micropuncture of lip capillaries. Pressure waveforms were recorded in 40 separate capillary vessels and 14 separate postcapillary venules over periods ranging from 5 to 64 s. Localization and determination of capillary and postcapillary vessels were ascertained anatomically before pressure measurements. Capillary pressure was 33.2 +/- 1.5 (SE) mm Hg in lips of subjects seated upright. Repeated micropunctures of the same vessel gave an average coefficient of variation of 0.072. Postcapillary venule pressure was 18.9 +/- 1.6 mm Hg. This procedure produces a direct and reproducible means of measuring microvascular blood pressures in a vascular bed above heart level in humans.

Depressive Symptoms, Anatomical Region, and Clinical Outcomes for Patients Seeking Outpatient Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

PubMed Central

Coronado, Rogelio A.; Beneciuk, Jason M.; Valencia, Carolina; Werneke, Mark W.; Hart, Dennis L.

2011-01-01

Background Clinical guidelines advocate the routine identification of depressive symptoms for patients with pain in the lumbar or cervical spine, but not for other anatomical regions. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and impact of depressive symptoms for patients with musculoskeletal pain across different anatomical regions. Design This was a prospective, associational study. Methods Demographic, clinical, depressive symptom (Symptom Checklist 90–Revised), and outcome data were collected by self-report from a convenience sample of 8,304 patients. Frequency of severe depressive symptoms was assessed by chi-square analysis for demographic and clinical variables. An analysis of variance examined the influence of depressive symptoms and anatomical region on intake pain intensity and functional status. Separate hierarchical multiple regression models by anatomical region examined the influence of depressive symptoms on clinical outcomes. Results Prevalence of severe depression was higher in women, in industrial and pain clinics, and in patients who reported chronic pain or prior surgery. Lower prevalence rates were found in patients older than 65 years and those who had upper- or lower-extremity pain. Depressive symptoms had a moderate to large effect on pain ratings (Cohen d=0.55–0.87) and a small to large effect on functional status (Cohen d=0.28–0.95). In multivariate analysis, depressive symptoms contributed additional variance to pain intensity and functional status for all anatomical locations, except for discharge values for the cervical region. Conclusions Rates of depressive symptoms varied slightly based on anatomical region of musculoskeletal pain. Depressive symptoms had a consistent detrimental influence on outcomes, except on discharge scores for the cervical anatomical region. Expanding screening recommendations for depressive symptoms to include more anatomical regions may be indicated in physical therapy settings. PMID:21233305

How the cerebellum may monitor sensory information for spatial representation

PubMed Central

Rondi-Reig, Laure; Paradis, Anne-Lise; Lefort, Julie M.; Babayan, Benedicte M.; Tobin, Christine

2014-01-01

The cerebellum has already been shown to participate in the navigation function. We propose here that this structure is involved in maintaining a sense of direction and location during self-motion by monitoring sensory information and interacting with navigation circuits to update the mental representation of space. To better understand the processing performed by the cerebellum in the navigation function, we have reviewed: the anatomical pathways that convey self-motion information to the cerebellum; the computational algorithm(s) thought to be performed by the cerebellum from these multi-source inputs; the cerebellar outputs directed toward navigation circuits and the influence of self-motion information on space-modulated cells receiving cerebellar outputs. This review highlights that the cerebellum is adequately wired to combine the diversity of sensory signals to be monitored during self-motion and fuel the navigation circuits. The direct anatomical projections of the cerebellum toward the head-direction cell system and the parietal cortex make those structures possible relays of the cerebellum influence on the hippocampal spatial map. We describe computational models of the cerebellar function showing that the cerebellum can filter out the components of the sensory signals that are predictable, and provides a novelty output. We finally speculate that this novelty output is taken into account by the navigation structures, which implement an update over time of position and stabilize perception during navigation. PMID:25408638

In vivo estimation of normal amygdala volume from structural MRI scans with anatomical-based segmentation.

PubMed

Siozopoulos, Achilleas; Thomaidis, Vasilios; Prassopoulos, Panos; Fiska, Aliki

2018-02-01

Literature includes a number of studies using structural MRI (sMRI) to determine the volume of the amygdala, which is modified in various pathologic conditions. The reported values vary widely mainly because of different anatomical approaches to the complex. This study aims at estimating of the normal amygdala volume from sMRI scans using a recent anatomical definition described in a study based on post-mortem material. The amygdala volume has been calculated in 106 healthy subjects, using sMRI and anatomical-based segmentation. The resulting volumes have been analyzed for differences related to hemisphere, sex, and age. The mean amygdalar volume was estimated at 1.42 cm 3 . The mean right amygdala volume has been found larger than the left, but the difference for the raw values was within the limits of the method error. No intersexual differences or age-related alterations have been observed. The study provides a method for determining the boundaries of the amygdala in sMRI scans based on recent anatomical considerations and an estimation of the mean normal amygdala volume from a quite large number of scans for future use in comparative studies.

[Venous Doppler color echography: importance and inconveniences].

PubMed

Laroche, J P; Dauzat, M; Muller, G; Janbon, C

1993-01-01

Color Doppler is a technique which performs a real-time opacification of the vascular system with blue indicating reverse flow and red indicating forward flow (directional color coding). In venous pathology, the use of color Doppler improves significantly the anatomical evaluation of the inferior vena cava, the iliac vein, the deep femoral vein, and the sural system. Color Doppler facilitates the study of deep venous thrombosis (providing useful information to differentiate ancient from most recent thrombus) and also the study of post-thrombotic conditions (assessment of reverse flow, repermeation phenomena). Finally, color Doppler produces a better insight for the study of varicose veins, especially with regard to mapping, identification of communicante veins, and study of the external saphenous vein.

Comparison of in vitro flows past a mechanical heart valve in anatomical and axisymmetric aorta models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haya, Laura; Tavoularis, Stavros

2017-06-01

Flow characteristics past a bileaflet mechanical heart valve were measured under physiological flow conditions in a straight tube with an axisymmetric expansion, similar to vessels used in previous studies, and in an anatomical model of the aorta. We found that anatomical features, including the three-lobed sinus and the aorta's curvature affected significantly the flow characteristics. The turbulent and viscous stresses were presented and discussed as indicators for potential blood damage and thrombosis. Both types of stresses, averaged over the two axial measurement planes, were significantly lower in the anatomical model than in the axisymmetric one. This difference was attributed to the lower height-to-width ratio and more gradual contraction of the anatomical aortic sinus. The curvature of the aorta caused asymmetries in the velocity and stress distributions during forward flow. Secondary flows resulting from the aorta's curvature are thought to have redistributed the fluid stresses transversely, resulting in a more homogeneous stress distribution in the anatomical aortic root than in the axisymmetric root. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of modelling accurately the aortic geometry in experimental and computational studies of prosthetic devices. Moreover, our findings suggest that grafts used for aortic root replacement should approximate as closely as possible the shape of the natural sinuses.

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Ventral Atlantoaxial Optimal Safe Implantation Corridors in 27 Dogs.

PubMed

Leblond, Guillaume; Gaitero, Luis; Moens, Noel M M; Zur Linden, Alex; James, Fiona M K; Monteith, Gabrielle J; Runciman, John

2017-11-01

Objectives  Ventral atlantoaxial stabilization techniques are challenging surgical procedures in dogs. Available surgical guidelines are based upon subjective anatomical landmarks, and limited radiographic and computed tomographic data. The aims of this study were (1) to provide detailed anatomical descriptions of atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors to generate objective recommendations for optimal implant placements and (2) to compare anatomical data obtained in non-affected Toy breed dogs, affected Toy breed dogs suffering from atlantoaxial instability and non-affected Beagle dogs. Methods  Anatomical data were collected from a prospectively recruited population of 27 dogs using a previously validated method of optimal safe implantation corridor analysis using computed tomographic images. Results  Optimal implant positions and three-dimensional numerical data were generated successfully in all cases. Anatomical landmarks could be used to generate objective definitions of optimal insertion points which were applicable across all three groups. Overall the geometrical distribution of all implant sites was similar in all three groups with a few exceptions. Clinical Significance  This study provides extensive anatomical data available to facilitate surgical planning of implant placement for atlantoaxial stabilization. Our data suggest that non-affected Toy breed dogs and non-affected Beagle dogs constitute reasonable research models to study atlantoaxial stabilization constructs. Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart.

Effects of Instructional Strategies Using Cross Sections on the Recognition of Anatomical Structures in Correlated CT and MR Images

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khalil, Mohammed K.; Paas, Fred; Johnson, Tristan E.; Su, Yung K.; Payer, Andrew F.

2008-01-01

This research is an effort to best utilize the interactive anatomical images for instructional purposes based on cognitive load theory. Three studies explored the differential effects of three computer-based instructional strategies that use anatomical cross-sections to enhance the interpretation of radiological images. These strategies include:…

Neural control of renal tubular sodium reabsorption of the dog.

PubMed

DiBona, G F

1978-04-01

The evidence supporting a role for direct neurogenic control of renal tubular sodium reabsorption is reviewed. Electron microscopic and fluorescence histochemical studies demonstrate adrenergic nerve terminals in direct contact with basement membranes of mammalian renal tubular epithelial cells. Low level direct or baroreceptor reflex stimulation of renal sympathetic nerves produces an increase in renal tubular sodium reabsorption without alterations in glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, or intrarenal distribution of blood flow. The antinatriuresis is prevented by prior treatment of the kidney with guanethidine or phenoxybenzamine. Possible indirect mediation of the antinatriuresis by other humoral agents known to be released from the kidney upon renal nerve stimulation (angiotensin II, prostaglandin) was excluded by experiments with appropriate blocking agents. Reflex diminutions in renal nerve activity (left atrial distention, stellate ganglion stimulation) produce a decrease in renal tubular sodium reabsorption independent of glomerular filtration rate or renal blood flow. The anatomically described adrenergic innervation of the renal tubules participates in the direct regulation of renal tubular sodium reabsorption.

Quantitative evaluation of brain development using anatomical MRI and diffusion tensor imaging☆

PubMed Central

Oishi, Kenichi; Faria, Andreia V.; Yoshida, Shoko; Chang, Linda; Mori, Susumu

2013-01-01

The development of the brain is structure-specific, and the growth rate of each structure differs depending on the age of the subject. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to evaluate brain development because of the high spatial resolution and contrast that enable the observation of structure-specific developmental status. Currently, most clinical MRIs are evaluated qualitatively to assist in the clinical decision-making and diagnosis. The clinical MRI report usually does not provide quantitative values that can be used to monitor developmental status. Recently, the importance of image quantification to detect and evaluate mild-to-moderate anatomical abnormalities has been emphasized because these alterations are possibly related to several psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities. In the research arena, structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been widely applied to quantify brain development of the pediatric population. To interpret the values from these MR modalities, a “growth percentile chart,” which describes the mean and standard deviation of the normal developmental curve for each anatomical structure, is required. Although efforts have been made to create such a growth percentile chart based on MRI and DTI, one of the greatest challenges is to standardize the anatomical boundaries of the measured anatomical structures. To avoid inter- and intra-reader variability about the anatomical boundary definition, and hence, to increase the precision of quantitative measurements, an automated structure parcellation method, customized for the neonatal and pediatric population, has been developed. This method enables quantification of multiple MR modalities using a common analytic framework. In this paper, the attempt to create an MRI- and a DTI-based growth percentile chart, followed by an application to investigate developmental abnormalities related to cerebral palsy, Williams syndrome, and Rett syndrome, have been introduced. Future directions include multimodal image analysis and personalization for clinical application. PMID:23796902

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid and benzodiazepine receptors in the kindling model of epilepsy: a quantitative radiohistochemical study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shin, C.; Pedersen, H.B.; McNamara, J.O.

1985-10-01

Quantitative radiohistochemistry was utilized to study alterations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and benzodiazepine receptors in the kindling model of epilepsy. The radioligands used for GABA and benzodiazepine receptors were (TH) muscimol and (TH)flunitrazepam, respectively. GABA receptor binding was increased by 22% in fascia dentata of the hippocampal formation but not in neocortex or substantia nigra of kindled rats. Within fascia dentata, GABA receptor binding was increased to an equivalent extent in stratum granulosum and throughout stratum moleculare; no increase was found in dentate hilus or stratum lacunosummoleculare or stratum radiatum of CA1. The increased binding was present at 24 hrmore » but not at 28 days after the last kindled seizure. The direction, anatomic distribution, and time course of the increased GABA receptor binding were paralleled by increased benzodiazepine receptor binding. The anatomic distribution of the increased GABA receptor binding is consistent with a localization to somata and dendritic trees of dentate granule cells. The authors suggest that increased GABA and benzodiazepine receptor binding may contribute to enhanced inhibition of dentate granule cells demonstrated electrophysiologically in kindled animals.« less

"Black Bone" MRI: a novel imaging technique for 3D printing.

PubMed

Eley, Karen A; Watt-Smith, Stephen R; Golding, Stephen J

2017-03-01

Three-dimensionally printed anatomical models are rapidly becoming an integral part of pre-operative planning of complex surgical cases. We have previously reported the "Black Bone" MRI technique as a non-ionizing alternative to CT. Segmentation of bone becomes possible by minimizing soft tissue contrast to enhance the bone-soft tissue boundary. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the potential of utilizing this technique to produce three-dimensional (3D) printed models. "Black Bone" MRI acquired from adult volunteers and infants with craniosynostosis were 3D rendered and 3D printed. A custom phantom provided a surrogate marker of accuracy permitting comparison between direct measurements and 3D printed models created by segmenting both CT and "Black Bone" MRI data sets using two different software packages. "Black Bone" MRI was successfully utilized to produce 3D models of the craniofacial skeleton in both adults and an infant. Measurements of the cube phantom and 3D printed models demonstrated submillimetre discrepancy. In this novel preliminary study exploring the potential of 3D printing from "Black Bone" MRI data, the feasibility of producing anatomical 3D models has been demonstrated, thus offering a potential non-ionizing alterative to CT for the craniofacial skeleton.

Deep sleep divides the cortex into opposite modes of anatomical-functional coupling.

PubMed

Tagliazucchi, Enzo; Crossley, Nicolas; Bullmore, Edward T; Laufs, Helmut

2016-11-01

The coupling of anatomical and functional connectivity at rest suggests that anatomy is essential for wake-typical activity patterns. Here, we study the development of this coupling from wakefulness to deep sleep. Globally, similarity between whole-brain anatomical and functional connectivity networks increased during deep sleep. Regionally, we found differential coupling: during sleep, functional connectivity of primary cortices resembled more the underlying anatomical connectivity, while we observed the opposite in associative cortices. Increased anatomical-functional similarity in sensory areas is consistent with their stereotypical, cross-modal response to the environment during sleep. In distinction, looser coupling-relative to wakeful rest-in higher order integrative cortices suggests that sleep actively disrupts default patterns of functional connectivity in regions essential for the conscious access of information and that anatomical connectivity acts as an anchor for the restoration of their functionality upon awakening.

ArthroBroström Lateral Ankle Stabilization Technique: An Anatomic Study.

PubMed

Acevedo, Jorge I; Ortiz, Cristian; Golano, Pau; Nery, Caio

2015-10-01

Arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair techniques have recently been developed and biomechanically as well as clinically validated. Although there has been 1 anatomic study relating suture and anchor proximity to anatomic structures, none has evaluated the ArthroBroström procedure. To evaluate the proximity of anatomic structures for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle ligament stabilization technique and to define ideal landmarks and "safe zones" for this repair. Descriptive laboratory study. Ten human cadaveric ankle specimens (5 matched pairs) were screened for the study. All specimens underwent arthroscopic lateral ligament repair according to the previously described ArthroBroström technique with 2 suture anchors in the fibula. Three cadaveric specimens were used to test the protocol, and 7 were dissected to determine the proximity of anatomic structures. Several distances were measured, including those of different anatomic structures to the suture knots, to determine the "safe zones." Measurements were obtained by 2 separate observers, and statistical analysis was performed. None of the specimens revealed entrapment by either of the suture knots of the critical anatomic structures, including the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), sural nerve, peroneus tertius tendon, peroneus brevis tendon, or peroneus longus tendon. The internervous safe zone between the intermediate branch of the SPN and sural nerve was a mean of 51 mm (range, 39-64 mm). The intertendinous safe zone between the peroneus tertius and peroneus brevis was a mean of 43 mm (range, 37-49 mm). On average, a 20-mm (range, 8-36 mm) safe distance was maintained from the most medial suture to the intermediate branch of the SPN. The amount of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) grasped by either suture knot varied from 0 to 12 mm, with 86% of repairs including the retinaculum. The results indicate that there is a relatively wide internervous and intertendinous safe zone when performing the ArthroBroström technique for lateral ankle stabilization. While none of the critical anatomic structures was entrapped by the suture knots, it was evident that the IER was included in a majority of the repairs. This study further defines the proximity of adjacent anatomic structures and establishes the anatomic safe zones for the ArthroBroström lateral ankle stabilization procedure. By defining this relatively risk-free zone, surgeons who are not as experienced with arthroscopic lateral ligament repair techniques may approach arthroscopic suture passage with more confidence. © 2015 The Author(s).

Customer satisfaction in anatomic pathology. A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of 3065 physician surveys from 94 laboratories.

PubMed

Zarbo, Richard J; Nakhleh, Raouf E; Walsh, Molly

2003-01-01

Measurement of physicians' and patients' satisfaction with laboratory services has recently become a requirement of health care accreditation agencies in the United States. To our knowledge, this is the first customer satisfaction survey of anatomic pathology services to provide a standardized tool and benchmarks for subsequent measures of satisfaction. This Q-Probes study assessed physician satisfaction with anatomic pathology laboratory services and sought to determine characteristics that correlate with a high level of physician satisfaction. In January 2001, each laboratory used standardized survey forms to assess physician customer satisfaction with 10 specific elements of service in anatomic pathology and an overall satisfaction rating based on a scale of rankings from a 5 for excellent to a 1 for poor. Data from up to 50 surveys returned per laboratory were compiled and analyzed by the College of American Pathologists. A general questionnaire collected information about types of services offered and each laboratory's quality assurance initiatives to determine characteristics that correlate with a high level of physician satisfaction. Hospital-based laboratories in the United States (95.8%), as well as others from Canada and Australia. Ninety-four voluntary subscriber laboratories in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes quality improvement program participated in this survey. Roughly 70% of respondents were from hospitals with occupied bedsizes of 300 or less, 65% were private nonprofit institutions, just over half were located in cities, one third were teaching hospitals, and 19% had pathology residency training programs. Overall physician satisfaction with anatomic pathology and 10 selected aspects of the laboratory service (professional interaction, diagnostic accuracy, pathologist responsiveness to problems, pathologist accessibility for frozen section, tumor board presentations, courtesy of secretarial and technical staff, communication of relevant information, teaching conferences and courses, notification of significant abnormal results, and timeliness of reporting). The database of 3065 physician surveys was derived from 94 laboratories. An average of 32.6 surveys (median 30) was returned per institution, with a range of 5 to 50 surveys per institution. The mean response rate was 35.6% (median 32.5%). The median (50th percentile) laboratory had an overall median satisfaction score of 4.4. The lowest satisfaction scores that were obtained all related to poor communication, which included timeliness of reporting, communication of relevant information, and notification of significant abnormal results. Statistically significant associations of customer satisfaction with certain institutional characteristics and laboratory performance improvement activities were identified. The importance of this satisfaction survey lies not in its requirement as an exercise for accrediting agencies but in understanding the needs of the customer (in this case the physician) to direct performance improvement in the delivery of quality anatomic pathology laboratory services.

Exploring New Frontiers of Microsurgery: From Anatomy to Clinical Methods.

PubMed

Wang, Zeng Tao; Zheng, You Mao; Zhu, Lei; Hao, Li Wen; Zhang, Ya Bin; Chen, Chao; Xia, Li Feng; Liu, Lin Feng

2017-04-01

This article presents the authors' understanding and experience concerning anatomic studies and clinical methods in microsurgical hand reconstruction. The 4 parts of this article include anatomic study of the hand for developing new flaps; application of miniflaps from the hand, including clinical experience with 8 unique flaps in the hand; anatomic and clinical considerations concerning several flaps from other parts of the human body; And our experience with vascularized free toe joint transfer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Basic Restriction and Reference Level in Anatomically-based Japanese Models for Low-Frequency Electric and Magnetic Field Exposures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Yukinori; Hirata, Akimasa; Fujiwara, Osamu

Human exposed to electric and/or magnetic fields at low frequencies may cause direct effect such as nerve stimulation and excitation. Therefore, basic restriction is regulated in terms of induced current density in the ICNIRP guidelines and in-situ electric field in the IEEE standard. External electric or magnetic field which does not produce induced quantities exceeding the basic restriction is used as a reference level. The relationship between the basic restriction and reference level for low-frequency electric and magnetic fields has been investigated using European anatomic models, while limited for Japanese model, especially for electric field exposures. In addition, that relationship has not well been discussed. In the present study, we calculated the induced quantities in anatomic Japanese male and female models exposed to electric and magnetic fields at reference level. A quasi static finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was applied to analyze this problem. As a result, spatially averaged induced current density was found to be more sensitive to averaging algorithms than that of in-situ electric field. For electric and magnetic field exposure at the ICNIRP reference level, the maximum values of the induced current density for different averaging algorithm were smaller than the basic restriction for most cases. For exposures at the reference level in the IEEE standard, the maximum electric fields in the brain were larger than the basic restriction in the brain while smaller for the spinal cord and heart.

Anatomical and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Tongue in the Meerkat (Suricata suricatta, Schreber, 1776).

PubMed

Erdoğan, S; Lima, M; Pérez, W

2016-02-01

This research presents the first anatomical description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the meerkat and compares the different information on the morphology of the other carnivore species. For this purpose, three tongues were used as material. The tongue was elongated with an oval or rounded apex. On the dorsal and ventrolateral surfaces of the tongue, filiform papillae had extent variations in morphology. Papillary body of each filiform papilla on the ventrolateral surface of the lingual body was ramified into 2-5 glovelike projections, and all pointed tips of these projections were directed caudally. On the dorsal lingual surface, each filiform papilla leaned on another without any space and both lateral borders of each filiform papilla included 4-6 small secondary projections or spines. A few rounded fungiform papillae were randomly distributed and embedded among the filiform papillae. On the caudal one-third of the body, there were two elongated circumvallate papillae. Some superficial fissures and taste pores were detected on the flat surfaces of each circumvallate papilla which was surrounded by a prominent and continuous gustatory groove. On the radix of the tongue, numerous dome-shaped protuberances of lingual salivary glands beneath the epithelium and one centrally located orificium was very invincible on the convex surface of each protuberance. Anatomical distribution of lingual papillae differed from those of other carnivores and represented morphological adaptation to the food type and feeding habits. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Anatomic documentation of the G-spot complex role in the genesis of anterior vaginal wall ballooning.

PubMed

Ostrzenski, Adam

2014-09-01

To expand previous G-spot anatomical and histological investigations; to examine the G-spot complex anatomic role in the anterior vaginal wall ballooning bio-mechanisms; and to determine, which division of autonomic nervous system (sympathetic or parasympathetic) dominates at the time of female sudden death. A prospective-descriptive case series anatomical study on eleven consecutive fresh humane female cadavers was conducted. Anterior vaginal wall stratum-by-stratum macro-dissections were executed in axial, coronal and sagittal plains. Upon G-spot extirpations, micro-dissections were performed. The G-spot tissues were stained with hematoxilin and eosin for histological examinations to authenticate the G-spot anatomical and histological characteristic features. The G-spot complex was identified and present in all subjects on either the distal vaginal left (more often) or on the right side from the lateral margin of the urethra; the G-spot anatomical and microscopic characteristic features have been authenticated; the G-spot complex expansion elevated anterior vaginal walls in each subject; the autonomic parasympathetic nervous system was the dominant division at the time of female subject sudden death. This study advances our anatomical and histological understanding of the G-spot complex and its role in the genesis of anterior vaginal ballooning bio-mechanisms. The G-spot complex is under parasympathetic nervous system domination at the time of female sudden death. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and Verification of Novel Porous Titanium Metaphyseal Cones for Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PubMed

Faizan, Ahmad; Bhowmik-Stoker, Manoshi; Alipit, Vincent; Kirk, Amanda E; Krebs, Viktor E; Harwin, Steven F; Meneghini, R Michael

2017-06-01

Porous metaphyseal cones are widely used in revision knee arthroplasty. A new system of porous titanium metaphyseal cones has been designed based on the femoral and tibial morphology derived from a computed tomography-based anatomical database. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the initial mechanical stability of the new porous titanium revision cone system by measuring the micromotion under physiologic loading compared with a widely-used existing porous tantalum metaphyseal cone system. The new cones were designed to precisely fit the femoral and tibial anatomy, and 3D printing technology was used to manufacture these porous titanium cones. The stability of the new titanium cones and the widely-used tantalum cones were compared under physiologic loading conditions in bench top test model. The stability of the new titanium cones was either equivalent or better than the tantalum cones. The new titanium femoral cone construct had significantly less micromotion compared with the traditional femoral cone construct in 5 of the 12 directions measured (P < .05), whereas no statistical difference was found in 7 directions. The new porous titanium metaphyseal tibial cones demonstrated less micromotion in medial varus/valgus (P = .004) and posterior compressive micromotion (P = .002) compared with the traditional porous tantalum system. The findings of this biomechanical study demonstrate satisfactory mechanical stability of an anatomical-based porous titanium metaphyseal cone system for femoral and tibial bone loss as measured by micromotion under physiologic loading. The new cone design, in combination with instrumentation that facilitates surgical efficiency, is encouraging. Long-term clinical follow-up is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Liver diffusion-weighted MR imaging: reproducibility comparison of ADC measurements obtained with multiple breath-hold, free-breathing, respiratory-triggered, and navigator-triggered techniques.

PubMed

Chen, Xin; Qin, Lei; Pan, Dan; Huang, Yanqi; Yan, Lifen; Wang, Guangyi; Liu, Yubao; Liang, Changhong; Liu, Zaiyi

2014-04-01

To prospectively compare the reproducibility of normal liver apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements by using different respiratory motion compensation techniques with multiple breath-hold (MBH), free-breathing (FB), respiratory-triggered (RT), and navigator-triggered (NT) diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging and to compare the ADCs at different liver anatomic locations. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Thirty-nine volunteers underwent liver DW imaging twice. Imaging was performed with a 1.5-T MR imager with MBH, FB, RT, and NT techniques (b = 0, 100, and 500 sec/mm(2)). Three representative sections--superior, central, and inferior--were selected on left and right liver lobes, respectively. On each selected section, three regions of interest were drawn, and ADCs were measured. Analysis of variance was used to assess ADCs among the four techniques and various anatomic locations. Reproducibility of ADCs was assessed with the Bland-Altman method. ADCs obtained with MBH (range: right lobe, [1.641-1.662] × 10(-3)mm(2)/sec; left lobe, [2.034-2.054] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec) were higher than those obtained with FB (right, [1.349-1.391] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec; left, [1.630-1.700] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec), RT (right, [1.439-1.455] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec; left, [1.720-1.755] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec), or NT (right, [1.387-1.400] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec; left, [1.661-1.736] ×10(-3)mm(2)/sec) techniques (P < .001); however, no significant difference was observed between ADCs obtained with FB, RT, and NT techniques (P = .130 to P >.99). ADCs showed a trend to decrease moving from left to right. Reproducibility in the left liver lobe was inferior to that in the right, and the central middle segment in the right lobe had the most reproducible ADC. Statistical differences in ADCs were observed in the left-right direction in the right lobe (P < .001), but they were not observed in the superior-inferior direction (P = .144-.450). However, in the left liver lobe, statistical differences existed in both directions (P = .001 to P = .016 in the left-right direction, P < .001 in the superior-inferior direction). Both anatomic location and DW imaging technique influence liver ADC measurements and their reproducibility. FB DW imaging is recommended for liver DW imaging because of its good reproducibility and shorter acquisition time compared with that of MBH, RT, and NT techniques. RSNA, 2014

Using 3D modeling techniques to enhance teaching of difficult anatomical concepts

PubMed Central

Pujol, Sonia; Baldwin, Michael; Nassiri, Joshua; Kikinis, Ron; Shaffer, Kitt

2016-01-01

Rationale and Objectives Anatomy is an essential component of medical education as it is critical for the accurate diagnosis in organs and human systems. The mental representation of the shape and organization of different anatomical structures is a crucial step in the learning process. The purpose of this pilot study is to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of developing innovative teaching modules for anatomy education of first-year medical students based on 3D reconstructions from actual patient data. Materials and Methods A total of 196 models of anatomical structures from 16 anonymized CT datasets were generated using the 3D Slicer open-source software platform. The models focused on three anatomical areas: the mediastinum, the upper abdomen and the pelvis. Online optional quizzes were offered to first-year medical students to assess their comprehension in the areas of interest. Specific tasks were designed for students to complete using the 3D models. Results Scores of the quizzes confirmed a lack of understanding of 3D spatial relationships of anatomical structures despite standard instruction including dissection. Written task material and qualitative review by students suggested that interaction with 3D models led to a better understanding of the shape and spatial relationships among structures, and helped illustrate anatomical variations from one body to another. Conclusion The study demonstrates the feasibility of one possible approach to the generation of 3D models of the anatomy from actual patient data. The educational materials developed have the potential to supplement the teaching of complex anatomical regions and help demonstrate the anatomic variation among patients. PMID:26897601

"Anatomizing" Reversed: Use of Examination Questions that Foster Use of Higher Order Learning Skills by Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, E. Robert

2010-01-01

"Anatomizing" is a new verb some use to describe the breaking apart of a complex entity such as the human body, into isolated tidbits of information for study, which can never equal the complex, integrated whole. Although popular with first-year medical students, this practice of "tidbitting" anatomical information into easy to memorize facts or…

Visualization of Stereoscopic Anatomic Models of the Paranasal Sinuses and Cervical Vertebrae from the Surgical and Procedural Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Jian; Smith, Andrew D.; Khan, Majid A.; Sinning, Allan R.; Conway, Marianne L.; Cui, Dongmei

2017-01-01

Recent improvements in three-dimensional (3D) virtual modeling software allows anatomists to generate high-resolution, visually appealing, colored, anatomical 3D models from computed tomography (CT) images. In this study, high-resolution CT images of a cadaver were used to develop clinically relevant anatomic models including facial skull, nasal…

Chemical and anatomical changes in Liquidambar styraciflua L.xylem after long term exposure to elevated CO

Treesearch

Keonhee Kim; Nicole Labbé; Jeffrey M. Warren; Thomas Elder; Timothy G. Rials

2015-01-01

The anatomical and chemical characteristics of sweetgum were studied after 11 years of elevated CO₂(544 ppm, ambient at 391 ppm) exposure. Anatomically, branch xylem cells were larger for elevated CO2 trees, and the cell wall thickness was thinner. Chemically, elevated CO₂ exposure did not...

[Graphic reconstruction of anatomic surfaces].

PubMed

Ciobanu, O

2004-01-01

The paper deals with the graphic reconstruction of anatomic surfaces in a virtual 3D setting. Scanning technologies and soft provides a greater flexibility in the digitization of surfaces and a higher resolution and accuracy. An alternative cheap method for the reconstruction of 3D anatomic surfaces is presented in connection with some studies and international projects developed by Medical Design research team.

Effects of plantation density on wood density and anatomical properties of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.)

Treesearch

J. Y. Zhu; C. Tim Scott; Karen L. Scallon; Gary C. Myers

2007-01-01

This study demonstrated that average ring width (or average annual radial growth rate) is a reliable parameter to quantify the effects of tree plantation density (growth suppression) on wood density and tracheid anatomical properties. The average ring width successfully correlated wood density and tracheid anatomical properties of red pines (Pinus resinosa Ait.) from a...

CT of Anatomic Variants of the Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity: Poor Correlation With Radiologically Significant Rhinosinusitis but Importance in Surgical Planning.

PubMed

Shpilberg, Katya A; Daniel, Simon C; Doshi, Amish H; Lawson, William; Som, Peter M

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of sinonasal anatomic variants and to assess their relation to sinonasal mucosal disease. A retrospective evaluation of 192 sinus CT examinations of patients with a clinical history of rhinosinusitis was conducted. The CT scans were evaluated for the presence of several anatomic variants of the sinonasal cavities, and the prevalence of each variant was calculated. Prevalences of all sinonasal anatomic variants were compared between patients who had minimal to no apparent imaging evidence of rhinosinusitis and those who had radiologic evidence of clinically significant rhinosinusitis. The most common normal variants were nasal septal deviation, Agger nasi cells, and extension of the sphenoid sinuses into the posterior nasal septum. We found no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of any of the studied anatomic variants between patients with minimal and those with clinically significant paranasal sinus or nasal cavity disease. Analysis of every routine CT scan of the paranasal sinuses obtained for sinusitis or rhinitis for the presence of different anatomic variants is of questionable value unless surgery is planned.

Non-ionizing real-time ultrasonography in implant and oral surgery: A feasibility study.

PubMed

Chan, Hsun-Liang; Wang, Hom-Lay; Fowlkes, Jeffery Brian; Giannobile, William V; Kripfgans, Oliver D

2017-03-01

Ultrasound imaging has potential to complement radiographic imaging modalities in implant and oral surgery given that it is non-ionizing and provides instantaneous images of anatomical structures. For application in oral and dental imaging, its qualities are dependent on its ability to accurately capture these complex structures. Therefore, the aim of this feasibility study was to investigate ultrasound to image soft tissue, hard tissue surface topography and specific vital structures. A clinical ultrasound scanner, paired with two 14-MHz transducers of different sizes (one for extraoral and the other for intraoral scans), was used to scan the following structures on a fresh cadaver: (i) the facial bone surface and soft tissue of maxillary anterior teeth, (ii) the greater palatine foramen; (iii) the mental foramen and (iv) the lingual nerve. Multiple measurements relevant to these structures were made on the ultrasound images and compared to those on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and/or direct measurements. Ultrasound imaging could delineate hard tissue surfaces, including enamel, root dentin and bone as well as soft tissue with high resolution (110 μm wavelength). The greater palatine foramen, mental foramen and lingual nerve were clearly shown in ultrasound images. Merging ultrasound and CBCT images demonstrated overall spatial accuracy of ultrasound images, which was corroborated by data gathered from direct measurements. For the first time, this study provides proof-of-concept evidence that ultrasound can be a real-time and non-invasive alternative for the evaluation of oral and dental anatomical structures relevant for implant and oral surgery. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Anatomic aspects of tibiotalocalcaneal nail arthrodesis.

PubMed

Hyer, Christopher F; Cheney, Nick

2013-01-01

During the past 15 years, tibiotalocalcaneal nail arthrodesis has become an established procedure for the treatment of specific disorders of the hindfoot and ankle. However, controversy exists regarding the proper starting point for obtaining and maintaining the correct hindfoot position to allow successful fusion. One of the challenges with this procedure is aligning the tibial canal with the central talus and calcaneus for placement of the intramedullary nail. We performed a cadaver study to evaluate the radiographic and anatomic position of the tibial canal and the central talus as it relates to placement of a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal nail. In our subjects, guide wires directed in an antegrade fashion down the tibial canal were more likely to enter lateral to the midline of the talus and miss the calcaneal body medially. These data have revealed a mismatch among the central axis of the tibia, talus, and calcaneus. Surgeons must pay careful attention to wire placement across these 3 bone segments during retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal nailing. Copyright © 2013 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of preoperative planning software for transforaminal endoscopic surgery and the guidance for clinical applications.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaojun; Cheng, Jun; Gu, Xin; Sun, Yi; Politis, Constantinus

2016-04-01

Preoperative planning is of great importance for transforaminal endoscopic techniques applied in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. In this study, a modular preoperative planning software for transforaminal endoscopic surgery was developed and demonstrated. The path searching method is based on collision detection, and the oriented bounding box was constructed for the anatomical models. Then, image reformatting algorithms were developed for multiplanar reconstruction which provides detailed anatomical information surrounding the virtual planned path. Finally, multithread technique was implemented to realize the steady-state condition of the software. A preoperative planning software for transforaminal endoscopic surgery (TE-Guider) was developed; seven cases of patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniations were planned preoperatively using TE-Guider. The distances to the midlines and the direction of the optimal paths were exported, and each result was in line with the empirical value. TE-Guider provides an efficient and cost-effective way to search the ideal path and entry point for the puncture. However, more clinical cases will be conducted to demonstrate its feasibility and reliability.

[Plain radiographs of the spine: static and relationships between spine and pelvis].

PubMed

Morvan, G; Wybier, M; Mathieu, P; Vuillemin, V; Guerini, H

2008-05-01

Man, with his erect posture, evolves in a world subject to the laws of gravity. His spine reflects these constraints. The morphology and static of human spine and biomechanical relationships between spine and pelvis are in direct relation with bipedia. Owing to this position the pelvis widened and straightened, characteristic sagittal spinal curves appeared and the perispinal muscles were deeply reorganized. Each pelvis is characterized by an important anatomical landmark: the pelvic incidence that reflects the sagittal morphology of the pelvis. Based on this anatomical characteristic, a chain of reactions determines the more efficient equilibrium of the whole body in the sagittal plane in term of energy consumption. Incidence affects the sacral slope, which determines lumbar lordosis, which itself influences pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, and even hip and knee position. All these landmarks can easily be studied on a sagittal radiograph. Knowledge of these functional relationships is essential to understand the origin of low back pain, sagittal imbalance and above all before surgical treatment of spine disorders especially when arthrodesis is considered.

Effects of lung disease on the three-dimensional structure and air flow pattern in the human airway tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van de Moortele, Tristan; Nemes, Andras; Wendt, Christine; Coletti, Filippo

2016-11-01

The morphological features of the airway tree directly affect the air flow features during breathing, which determines the gas exchange and inhaled particle transport. Lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in this study, affects the structural features of the lungs, which in turn negatively affects the air flow through the airways. Here bronchial tree air volume geometries are segmented from Computed Tomography (CT) scans of healthy and diseased subjects. Geometrical analysis of the airway centerlines and corresponding cross-sectional areas provide insight into the specific effects of COPD on the airway structure. These geometries are also used to 3D print anatomically accurate, patient specific flow models. Three-component, three-dimensional velocity fields within these models are acquired using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The three-dimensional flow fields provide insight into the change in flow patterns and features. Additionally, particle trajectories are determined using the velocity fields, to identify the fate of therapeutic and harmful inhaled aerosols. Correlation between disease-specific and patient-specific anatomical features with dysfunctional airflow patterns can be achieved by combining geometrical and flow analysis.

Prolapse repair using the Elevate™ kit: prospective study on 70 patients.

PubMed

Azaïs, H; Charles, C Jean; Delporte, P; Debodinance, P

2012-10-01

The aim of this study was to examine the anatomical and functional results of prolapse repair by a vaginal approach using the Elevate kit. This was a prospective study of 70 patients presenting with symptomatic urogenital prolapse. Twenty Elevate Anterior, 16 Posterior, and 34 Anterior and Posterior repair systems were placed. Perioperative and postoperative complications were assessed. The patients were interviewed at 2 months and 1 year post-surgery. Recurrences were recorded in 21 patients (31.3%) at the 1-year follow-up. However, at the 1-year follow-up, there were 14 cases (20.9%) of direct recurrence (two anterior, two posterior, and ten combined anterior and posterior) compared with seven cases (10.4%) of indirect recurrence. Of the 21 failures (stage ≥ 2), 13 were stage 2 with the leading edge above the hymen. None of the patients underwent revision surgery. The exposure rate was 4.5%. The anterior and posterior shrinkage rates were 68.7% and 31.9%, respectively. There were four cases of de novo dyspareunia. Patients reported a significant decrease in the impact of pelvic floor distress on the PFIQ-7 questionnaire, but an improvement on the PFDI-20. There was no improvement in sexual function (PISQ-12). The Elevate™ kit is associated with satisfactory functional results. However, the anatomical results require ongoing evaluation.

History, anatomical nomenclature, comparative anatomy and functions of the hippocampal formation.

PubMed

El-Falougy, H; Benuska, J

2006-01-01

The complex structures in the cerebral hemispheres is included under one term, the limbic system. Our conception of this system and its special functions rises from the comparative neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies. The components of the limbic system are the hippocampus, gyrus parahippocampalis, gyrus dentatus, gyrus cinguli, corpus amygdaloideum, nuclei anteriores thalami, hypothalamus and gyrus paraterminalis Because of its unique macroscopic and microscopic structure, the hippocampus is a conspicuous part of the limbic system. During phylogenetic development, the hippocampus developed from a simple cortical plate in amphibians into complex three-dimensional convoluted structure in mammals. In the last few decades, structures of the limbic system were extensively studied. Attention was directed to the physiological functions and pathological changes of the hippocampus. Experimental studies proved that the hippocampus has a very important role in the process of learning and memory. Another important functions of the hippocampus as a part of the limbic system is its role in regulation of sexual and emotional behaviour. The term "hippocampal formation" is defined as the complex of six structures: gyrus dentatus, hippocampus proprius, subiculum proprium, presubiculum, parasubiculum and area entorhinalis In this work we attempt to present a brief review of knowledge about the hippocampus from the point of view of history, anatomical nomenclature, comparative anatomy and functions (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 33).

Comparing the Organs and Vasculature of the Head and Neck in Five Murine Species

PubMed Central

JAE KIM, MIN; YEON KIM, YOO; REN CHAO, JANET; SANG PARK, HAE; CHANG, JIWON; OH, DAWOON; JUN LEE, JAE; CHUN KANG, TAE; SUH, JUN-GYO; HO LEE, JUN

2017-01-01

Background/Aim: The purpose of the present study was to delineate the cervical and facial vascular and associated anatomy in five murine species, and compare them for optimal use in research studies focused on understanding the pathology and treatment of diseases in humans. Materials and Methods: The specific adult male animals examined were mice (C57BL/6J), rats (F344), mongolian gerbils (Merionesunguiculatus), hamsters (Syrian), and guinea pigs (Hartley). To stain the vasculature and organs, of the face and neck, each animal was systemically perfused using the vital stain, Trypan Blue. Following this step, the detailed anatomy of the head and neck could be easily visualized in all species. Results: Unique morphological characteristics were demonstrated by comparing the five species, including symmetry of the common carotid origin bilaterally in the Mongolian Gerbil, a large submandibular gland in the hamster and an enlarged buccal branch in the Guinea Pig. In reviewing the anatomical details, this staining technique proves superior for direct surgical visualization and identification. Conclusion: The anatomical details provided through these five species atlas will help experimental researchers in the future to select the most appropriate animal model for specific laboratory studies aimed to improve our understanding and treatment of diseases in patients.  PMID:28882952

Evolution of the anatomical theatre in Padova.

PubMed

Macchi, Veronica; Porzionato, Andrea; Stecco, Carla; De Caro, Raffaele

2014-01-01

The anatomical theatre played a pivotal role in the evolution of medical education, allowing students to directly observe and participate in the process of dissection. Due to the increase of training programs in clinical anatomy, the Institute of Human Anatomy at the University of Padova has renovated its dissecting room. The main guidelines in planning a new anatomical theatre included: (1), the placement of the teacher and students on the same level in a horizontal anatomical theatre where it is possible to see (theatre) and to perform (dissecting room); (2), in the past, dissection activities were concentrated at the center of the theatre, while in the new anatomical theatre, such activities have been moved to the periphery through projection on surrounding screens-thus, students occupy the center of the theatre between the demonstration table, where the dissection can be seen in real time, and the wall screens, where particular aspects are magnified; (3), three groups of tables are placed with one in front with two lateral flanking tables in regards to the demonstration table, in a semicircular arrangement, and not attached to the floor, which makes the room multifunctional for surgical education, medical students and physician's continued professional development courses; (4), a learning station to introduce the students to the subject of the laboratory; (5), cooperation between anatomists and architects in order to combine the practical needs of a dissection laboratory with new technologies; (6), involvement of the students, representing the clients' needs; and (7), creation of a dissecting room of wide measurements with large windows, since a well-illuminated space could reduce the potentially negative psychological impact of the dissection laboratory on student morale. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.

Liberation of a pinned spiral wave by a rotating electric pulse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiang-Xing; Peng, Liang; Ma, Jun; Ying, He-Ping

2014-08-01

Spiral waves may be pinned to anatomical heterogeneities in the cardiac tissue, which leads to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) induced by electric pulses in one direction (EP) is a promising method for liberating such waves by using heterogeneities as internal virtual pacing sites. Here, based on the WEH effect, a new mechanism of liberation by means of a rotating electric pulse (REP) is proposed in a generic model of excitable media. Compared with the EP, the REP has the advantage of opening wider time window to liberate pinned spiral. The influences of rotating direction and frequency of the REP, and the radius of the obstacles on this new mechanism are studied. We believe this strategy may improve manipulations with pinned spiral waves in heart experiments.

[Imaging of alloplastic ligament implant. An in vivo and in vitro study exemplified by Kevlar].

PubMed

Wening, J V; Katzer, A; Nicolas, V; Hahn, M; Jungbluth, K H; Kratzer A [corrected to Katzer, A

1994-04-01

Neither native X-ray nor CT or NMR allow to evaluate intraarticular implantation results of Kevlar -49 directly. In animal trials, the course of an artificial ligament may only be presumed from connective tissue ingrowth. Although soft tissue structure appears much better in NMR than in CT, direct proof of ligament continuity is still impossible. As soon as the connective tissue becomes continuous, it appears clearly and allows indirect evaluation of the prosthesis, as integrity can be judged by its shape like in natural cruciate ligament. Anatomic preparations show that connective tissue fills up the small space between the two cords of a Kevlar -49 two bundle prosthesis eight weeks after implantation, so that imaging systems show only one intraarticular bundle.

Surgical management of coracoid fractures: technical tricks and clinical experience.

PubMed

Hill, Brian W; Jacobson, Aaron R; Anavian, Jack; Cole, Peter A

2014-05-01

The coracoid process plays a pivotal role in the foundation of the coracoacromial arch and in cases of displaced fractures; surgical management may be warranted to avoid functional compromise or impingement. A direct approach through Langer's lines allows for easy exposure and direct visualization for an anatomic reduction of simple fractures through the shaft or base of the coracoid. An anterior approach for fractures that extend into the superior glenoid fossa allows for direct exposure to obtain an anatomic articular reduction and indirect reduction of the coracoid fracture. In cases where a complex glenoid or scapula neck/body fracture is being addressed simultaneously either a posterior Judet approach can be used with an indirect reduction method or a separate anterior approach must be combined to address it if not in continuity with the superior scapular segment. Implant selection, primarily interfragmentary screws or a buttress plate, should be based on the size of the fragment, the degree of comminution, and the degree of articular involvement to ensure adequate stabilization. The purpose of this manuscript was to describe a stepwise approach to the surgical management of displaced coracoid fractures, describe surgical tips and techniques, and to present the clinical outcomes in 22 patients after surgical treatment with this approach.

Organotypic Slice Cultures for Studies of Postnatal Neurogenesis

PubMed Central

Mosa, Adam J.; Wang, Sabrina; Tan, Yao Fang; Wojtowicz, J. Martin

2015-01-01

Here we describe a technique for studying hippocampal postnatal neurogenesis in the rodent brain using the organotypic slice culture technique. This method maintains the characteristic topographical morphology of the hippocampus while allowing direct application of pharmacological agents to the developing hippocampal dentate gyrus. Additionally, slice cultures can be maintained for up to 4 weeks and thus, allow one to study the maturation process of newborn granule neurons. Slice cultures allow for efficient pharmacological manipulation of hippocampal slices while excluding complex variables such as uncertainties related to the deep anatomic location of the hippocampus as well as the blood brain barrier. For these reasons, we sought to optimize organotypic slice cultures specifically for postnatal neurogenesis research. PMID:25867138

Neurovascular risks of sacral screws with bicortical purchase: an anatomical study.

PubMed

Ergur, Ipek; Akcali, Omer; Kiray, Amac; Kosay, Can; Tayefi, Hamid

2007-09-01

The aim of this cadaver study is to define the anatomic structures on anterior sacrum, which are under the risk of injury during bicortical screw application to the S1 and S2 pedicles. Thirty formaldehyde-preserved human male cadavers were studied. Posterior midline incision was performed, and soft tissues and muscles were dissected from the posterior part of the lumbosacral region. A 6 mm pedicle screw was inserted between the superior facet of S1 and the S1 foramen. The entry point of the S2 pedicle screw was located between S1 and S2 foramina. S1 and S2 screws were placed on both right and the left sides of all cadavers. Then, all cadavers were turned into supine position. All abdominal and pelvic organs were moved away and carefully observed for any injury. The tips of the sacral screws were marked and the relations with the anatomic structures were defined. The position of the sacral screws relative to the middle and lateral sacral arteries and veins, and the sacral sympathetic trunk were measured. There was no injury to the visceral organs. In four cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral artery. In two cases, S1 screw tip was in direct contact with middle sacral vein. It was observed that the S1 screw tips were in close proximity to sacral sympathetic trunk on both right and the left sides. The tip of the S2 screw was in contact with middle sacral artery on the left side only in one case. It is found that the tip of the S2 screw was closely located with the middle sacral vein in two cases. The tip of the S2 pedicle screw was in contact with the sacral sympathetic trunk in eight cases on the right side and seven cases on the left side. Lateral sacral vein was also observed to be disturbed by the S1 and S2 screws. As a conclusion, anterior cortical penetration during sacral screw insertion carries a risk of neurovascular injury. The risk of sacral sympathetic trunk and minor vascular structures together with the major neurovascular structures and viscera should be kept in mind.

An interactive, stereoscopic virtual environment for medical imaging visualization, simulation and training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krueger, Evan; Messier, Erik; Linte, Cristian A.; Diaz, Gabriel

2017-03-01

Recent advances in medical image acquisition allow for the reconstruction of anatomies with 3D, 4D, and 5D renderings. Nevertheless, standard anatomical and medical data visualization still relies heavily on the use of traditional 2D didactic tools (i.e., textbooks and slides), which restrict the presentation of image data to a 2D slice format. While these approaches have their merits beyond being cost effective and easy to disseminate, anatomy is inherently three-dimensional. By using 2D visualizations to illustrate more complex morphologies, important interactions between structures can be missed. In practice, such as in the planning and execution of surgical interventions, professionals require intricate knowledge of anatomical complexities, which can be more clearly communicated and understood through intuitive interaction with 3D volumetric datasets, such as those extracted from high-resolution CT or MRI scans. Open source, high quality, 3D medical imaging datasets are freely available, and with the emerging popularity of 3D display technologies, affordable and consistent 3D anatomical visualizations can be created. In this study we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of one such interactive, stereoscopic visualization paradigm for human anatomy extracted from 3D medical images. A stereoscopic display was created by projecting the scene onto the lab floor using sequential frame stereo projection and viewed through active shutter glasses. By incorporating a PhaseSpace motion tracking system, a single viewer can navigate an augmented reality environment and directly manipulate virtual objects in 3D. While this paradigm is sufficiently versatile to enable a wide variety of applications in need of 3D visualization, we designed our study to work as an interactive game, which allows users to explore the anatomy of various organs and systems. In this study we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of an interactive and stereoscopic visualization platform for exploring and understanding human anatomy. This system can present medical imaging data in three dimensions and allows for direct physical interaction and manipulation by the viewer. This should provide numerous benefits over traditional, 2D display and interaction modalities, and in our analysis, we aim to quantify and qualify users' visual and motor interactions with the virtual environment when employing this interactive display as a 3D didactic tool.

Prevalence of the accessory deep peroneal nerve: A cadaveric study and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tomaszewski, Krzysztof A; Roy, Joyeeta; Vikse, Jens; Pękala, Przemysław A; Kopacz, Paweł; Henry, Brandon Michael

2016-05-01

The accessory deep peroneal nerve (ADPN) is a common anatomical variant arising from the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and, when present, is often responsible for partial or complete innervation of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle (EDBM). The nerve lies posterior to the peroneus brevis muscle, traveling posterior to the lateral malleolus to terminate in the ankle by giving off sensory branches to the ankle and joints. Although the EDBM is usually supplied by the deep peroneal nerve (DPN), in the presence of an ADPN, electrodiagnostic procedures may be complicated. Due to the lack of detailed anatomical knowledge on the topography of the ADPN, its presence posterior to the lateral malleolus can be iatrogenically injured during surgical procedures on the ankle using a lateral approach. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the anatomical characteristics of the ADPN, supplemented with data from our own cadaveric dissection. A comprehensive search of all major electronic databases, including Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and BIOSIS was performed. All articles with data on prevalence, symmetry and innervation of the EDBM by the ADPN were included. The anatomical data was then extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis using MetaXL 2.0. In addition, we dissected 21 cadavers (n=42 lower limbs) bilaterally to find the ADPN. A total of 19 studies (n=6070 lower limbs) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of the ADPN was 18.8% (95%CI:14.2-24.0) with a 39.3% prevalence rate for cadaveric studies. The ADPN was present more commonly unilaterally (67.0%) and when it was present, provided branches to the EDBM in 79.5% of cases. In our cadaveric study, the ADPN was identified in 5 of the 42 lower limbs dissected (11.9%); on the right side in 3 lower limbs and on the left side in 2 lower limbs. The ADPN is a clinically important nerve and has been inculpated in unexplained cases of chronic ankle pain and EDBM atrophy. The variability in detection of the ADPN using electrophysiological techniques can lead to misdiagnoses of peroneal nerve lesions and increase the risk for iatrogenic injury to the ADPN, especially in laterally approaching ankle procedures and sural nerve biopsies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intraoperative Comparison of Anatomical versus Round Implants in Breast Augmentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Hidalgo, David A; Weinstein, Andrew L

2017-03-01

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether anatomical implants are aesthetically superior to round implants in breast augmentation. Seventy-five patients undergoing primary breast augmentation had a round silicone implant of optimal volume, projection, and diameter placed in one breast and an anatomical silicone device of similar volume and optimal shape placed in the other. After intraoperative photographs were taken, the anatomical device was replaced by a round implant to complete the procedure. A survey designed to measure breast aesthetics was administered to 10 plastic surgeon and 10 lay reviewers for blind evaluation of the 75 cases. No observable difference in breast aesthetics between anatomical and round implants was reported by plastic surgeons in 43.6 percent or by lay individuals in 29.2 percent of cases. When a difference was perceived, neither plastic surgeons nor lay individuals preferred the anatomical side more often than the round side. Plastic surgeons judged the anatomical side superior in 51.1 percent of cases and the round side superior in 48.9 percent of cases (p = 0.496). Lay individuals judged the anatomical side superior in 46.7 percent of cases and the round side superior in 53.3 percent (p = 0.140). Plastic surgeons identified implant shape correctly in only 26.5 percent of cases. This study provides high-level evidence supporting no aesthetic superiority of anatomical over round implants. Given that anatomical implants have important and unique disadvantages, a lack of proven aesthetic superiority argues against their continued use in breast augmentation. Therapeutic, I.

Evaluation of the diagnostic yield of dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography for the identification of anatomic landmarks in small to medium-sized brachycephalic dogs.

PubMed

Döring, Sophie; Arzi, Boaz; Barich, Catherine R; Hatcher, David C; Kass, Philip H; Verstraete, Frank J M

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic yield of dental radiography (Rad method) and 3 cone-beam CT (CBCT) methods for the identification of predefined anatomic landmarks in brachycephalic dogs. ANIMALS 19 client-owned brachycephalic dogs admitted for evaluation and treatment of dental disease. PROCEDURES 26 predefined anatomic landmarks were evaluated separately by use of the RAD method and 3 CBCT software modules (serial CBCT slices and custom cross sections, tridimensional rendering, and reconstructed panoramic views). A semiquantitative scoring system was used, and mean scores were calculated for each anatomic landmark and imaging method. The Friedman test was used to evaluate values for significant differences in diagnostic yield. For values that were significant, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used with the Bonferroni-Holm multiple comparison adjustment to determine significant differences among each of the 6 possible pairs of diagnostic methods. RESULTS Differences of diagnostic yield among the Rad and 3 CBCT methods were significant for 19 of 26 anatomic landmarks. For these landmarks, Rad scores were significantly higher than scores for reconstructed panoramic views for 4 of 19 anatomic landmarks, but Rad scores were significantly lower than scores for reconstructed panoramic views for 8 anatomic landmarks, tridimensional rendering for 18 anatomic landmarks, and serial CBCT slices and custom cross sections for all 19 anatomic landmarks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CBCT methods were better suited than dental radiography for the identification of anatomic landmarks in brachycephalic dogs. Results of this study can serve as a basis for CBCT evaluation of dental disorders in brachycephalic dogs.

Evaluation of the rabbit liver by direct portography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography: anatomical variations of the portal system and hepatic volume quantification.

PubMed

Páramo, María; García-Barquin, Paula; Santa María, Eva; Madrid, José Miguel; Caballeros, Meylin; Benito, Alberto; Sangro, Bruno; Iñarrairaegui, Mercedes; Bilbao, José Ignacio

2017-01-01

The study was aimed at: (1) describing the incidence of anatomic variations of the portal system in the rabbit using direct portography; and (2) estimating the liver volume and caudate lobe volume by using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the same animal model. Forty-six New Zealand white rabbits were included. All of them underwent direct portography and unenhanced CECT. Conventional liver rabbit portal system anatomy (type 1) consisted of the bifurcation of the main portal vein (MPV) into the right portal vein (RPV) and left portal vein (LPV), which subsequently divided into medial left portal vein and lateral left portal vein. Trifurcation of the LPV was considered type 2. The LPV that divides into four smaller branches was classified as type 3. Other configurations of the portal system, including particular cases of MPV branching, were grouped as type 4. Liver lobes were manually segmented. The incidence of each type of portal system anatomy was: type 1, 67.4%; type 2, 15.2%; type 3, 13.0%); and type 4, 4.3%. The mean volume of the caudate lobe was 19.1 ml ± 5.7 ml and of the cranial lobes it was 66.7 ml ± 13.7 ml, and the total liver volume was 85.7 ml ± 16.7 ml. In New Zealand white rabbits, type 1 is the prevalent type of portal system, liver volume is about 86 ml, and the caudate and cranial lobes are separated. This information could be important when planning experimental rabbit liver procedures.

Student-Directed Fresh Tissue Anatomy Course for Physician Assistants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McBride, Jennifer M.; Drake, Richard L.

2011-01-01

Healthcare providers in all areas and levels of education depend on their knowledge of anatomy for daily practice. As educators, we are challenged with teaching the anatomical sciences in creative, integrated ways and often within a condensed time frame. This article describes the organization of a clinical anatomy course with a peer taught…

Twenty-Four Veterinary Anatomic Fibs, Half-Truths, and Misleading Statements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shively, Michael Jay

1979-01-01

A number of statements about well-established information in veterinary anatomy are debated and refuted: (1) sesamoid bones change the direction of tendons, (2) tendons are composed of collagenous connective tissue, (3) anal glands are synonymous with anal sacs, (4) reciprocal apparatus is part of stay apparatus, etc. (Author/MLW)

Students as Resurrectionists--A Multimodal Humanities Project in Anatomy Putting Ethics and Professionalism in Historical Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hammer, Rachel R.; Jones, Trahern W.; Hussain, Fareeda Taher Nazer; Bringe, Kariline; Harvey, Ronee E.; Person-Rennell, Nicole H.; Newman, James S.

2010-01-01

Because medical students have many different learning styles, the authors, medical students at Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine researched the history of anatomical specimen procurement, reviewing topic-related film, academic literature, and novels, to write, direct, and perform a dramatization based on Robert Louis Stevenson's "The…

How Spatial Abilities and Dynamic Visualizations Interplay When Learning Functional Anatomy with 3D Anatomical Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berney, Sandra; Bétrancourt, Mireille; Molinari, Gaëlle; Hoyek, Nady

2015-01-01

The emergence of dynamic visualizations of three-dimensional (3D) models in anatomy curricula may be an adequate solution for spatial difficulties encountered with traditional static learning, as they provide direct visualization of change throughout the viewpoints. However, little research has explored the interplay between learning material…

Tongue-Pressure and Hyoid Movement Timing in Healthy Liquid Swallowing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steele, Catriona; Sasse, Caroline; Bressmann, Tim

2012-01-01

It was hypothesized that tongue-palate pressure generation might directly facilitate hyoid movement in swallowing through the anatomical connections of the extrinsic tongue muscles. If true, non-invasive measures of tongue-palate pressure timing might serve as a proxy measure of hyoid excursion. The timing relationships between events in the…

Anatomical Mercury: Changing Understandings of Quicksilver, Blood, and the Lymphatic System, 1650-1800.

PubMed

Hendriksen, Marieke M A

2015-10-01

The use of mercury as an injection mass in anatomical experiments and preparations was common throughout Europe in the long eighteenth century, and refined mercury-injected preparations as well as plates of anatomical mercury remain today. The use and meaning of mercury in related disciplines such as medicine and chemistry in the same period have been studied, but our knowledge of anatomical mercury is sparse and tends to focus on technicalities. This article argues that mercury had a distinct meaning in anatomy, which was initially influenced by alchemical and classical understandings of mercury. Moreover, it demonstrates that the choice of mercury as an anatomical injection mass was deliberate and informed by an intricate cultural understanding of its materiality, and that its use in anatomical preparations and its perception as an anatomical material evolved with the understanding of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. By using the material culture of anatomical mercury as a starting point, I seek to provide a new, object-driven interpretation of complex and strongly interrelated historiographical categories such as mechanism, vitalism, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, which are difficult to understand through a historiography that focuses exclusively on ideas. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Left heart pacing lead implantation using subxiphoid videopericardioscopy.

PubMed

Zenati, Marco A; Bonanomi, Gianluca; Chin, Albert K; Schwartzman, David

2003-09-01

Recent clinical data support the utility of left heart pacing. The transvenous approach for left heart pacing lead implantation is imperfect. A direct epicardial approach may have advantages, but heretofore its utility has been limited because of the requirement for thoracotomy. We sought to examine the feasibility of a method for epicardial lead implantation that did not require thoracotomy. In five large swine, percutaneous access to the epicardium was achieved with subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, using a device that marries endoscopy with a port through which pacing leads could be introduced. In each animal, standard, active fixation pacing leads were implanted onto the left atrium and ventricle. The atrial lead was implanted at the base of the appendage. The ventricular lead was implanted on the anterior, lateral, and inferior walls. Continuous direct visualization of the epicardium provided guidance for lead localization and fixation, including avoidance of complications such as trauma to epicardial coronary vessels. Capture thresholds were uniformly low. Postmortem examination demonstrated anatomically accurate, uncomplicated lead fixation. Using subxiphoid videopericardioscopy, uncomplicated, anatomically accurate left heart epicardial pacing lead implantation can be achieved without thoracotomy.

Assessment of vinyl polysiloxane as an innovative injection material for the anatomical study of vasculature.

PubMed

Dargaud, Jacques; Chalvet, Laurane; Del Corso, Marco; Cerboni, Elsa; Feugier, Patrick; Mertens, Patrick; Simon, Emile

2016-04-01

There are numerous injection materials for the study of vasculature in anatomical specimens, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Latex and resins are the most widely used injection materials but need several days to set. The development of new materials taking shorter time to polymerize might be very useful to improve anatomic specimen study conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), a silicon material widely used for dental impressions with the advantage to set very rapidly, as an injection material. We assessed the preparation, use, diffusion and setting time of the product in different anatomical regions (central nervous system, external carotid/jugular, lower limb) to observe its behavior in variably sized vessels. Our results suggest that VPS might be of interest for the study of vessels in anatomical specimens. The main strengths of the product are represented by (1) simplicity of use, as it is a ready-to-use material, (2) very rapid polymerization, (3) availability in a range of viscosities making easier the exploration of small vessels, (4) its better elasticity compared to resins, (5) and finally its availability in a range of colors making it a material of choice for vascular system dissections including those with very small caliber vessels.

Comparison of radiographic and anatomic femoral varus angle measurements in normal dogs.

PubMed

Swiderski, Jennifer K; Radecki, Steven V; Park, Richard D; Palmer, Ross H

2008-01-01

To determine if the clinically practiced method of radiographic femoral varus angle (R-FVA) measurement is repeatable, reproducible, and accurate. Radiographic and anatomic study. ANIMALS/SAMPLE POPULATION: Normal Walker hound cadavers (n=5) and femora (n=10). Cadavers were held in dorsally-recumbent and torso-elevated positions as 3 craniocaudal radiographs were made of each femur, by each of 2 different technicians. Femora were then harvested for direct measurement of anatomic femoral varus angle (A-FVA). R-FVA was measured on each radiograph by each of 3 examiners on 3 separate occasions. Intra-observer (repeatability) and inter-observer (reproducibility) variance in R-FVA measurement and the strength of relationship between R-FVA and A-FVA (accuracy) were determined. Mean (+/-SD) A-FVA was 5.2+/-2.1 degrees (range, 2.4-8.2 degrees). Mean (+/-SD) R-FVA was 5.8+/-1.0 degrees (range, 2.7-9.6 degrees). Intra-observer variance (range: 11-16%) and inter-observer variance (16%) were acceptable. The strength of relationship between measured R-FVA and A-FVA (maximum adjusted R(2)<0) was unacceptably low regardless of observer, patient position, or radiographic technician. R-FVA measurement was repeatable and reproducible, but not statistically accurate in predicting A-FVA in these 5 normal Walker hounds. The detected inaccuracy may be real or the result of a selection bias for normal dogs obscuring the true relationship. R-FVA may not be an accurate method of femoral varus measurement in dogs with A-FVA<10 degrees. Using Slocum's criteria for distal femoral osteotomy (R-FVA>10 degrees), the procedure would not have been erroneously performed in any of the normal dogs of this study.

[INCIDENCE AND SURGICAL IMPORTANCE OF PYRAMIDAL LOBE AND TUBERCLE OF THE THYROID GLAND: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY].

PubMed

Kovacić, Marijan; Kovadcić, Ivan

2015-01-01

The pyramidal lobe and tubercles are common anatomic variations of the thyroid gland, and their frequency is highly represented. While pyramidal lobe requires additional seriousness in identifying and its removal, especially in patients with hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, the presence of tubercles is desirable. Tubercle is covered by recurrent laryngeal nerve and directs the surgeon in his search and besides this, serves to facilitate detection of the upper parathyroid glands. In this prospective study we analysed 342 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in the period from January 2009 to March 2015. We looked at the incidence and anatomic characteristics of pyramidal lobe and tubercles of the thyroid gland. The pyramidal lobe was present in 52.3% of the patients with more frequent central and left placement. Bilateral tubercles were present in 14.9%, while position right-sided phenomenon was represented in 39.5% and 18.5% in lower left (64.3% patients). Their prevalence by gender showed no significant difference (p = 0.59; p = 0.2). Associated presence of pyramidal lobe and tubercles on one or both sides is highly represented in our group of patients (34%), also with no differences by gender (p = 0.29). Length of the pyramidal lobe ranged from 1.3 to 4.7 cm (average 2.3 cm), and the size of tubercles in 36% of patients was over 1 cm. Recurrent laryngeal nerve was only in 1.8% placed laterally of tubercles, and the upper parathyroid gland in 95.4% was located above tubercle. Considering that only 16.5% of our patients did not have any of these anatomical variations, their presence during surgery is the rule, not the exception.

Relationships between xylem vessel characteristics, calculated axial hydraulic conductance and size-controlling capacity of peach rootstocks

PubMed Central

Tombesi, Sergio; Johnson, R. Scott; Day, Kevin R.; DeJong, Theodore M.

2010-01-01

Background and Aims Previous studies indicate that the size-controlling capacity of peach rootstocks is associated with reductions of scion water potential during mid-day that are caused by the reduced hydraulic conductance of the rootstock. Thus, shoot growth appears to be reduced by decreases in stem water potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of reduced hydraulic conductance in size-controlling peach rootstocks. Methods Anatomical measurements (diameter and frequency) of xylem vessels were determined in shoots, trunks and roots of three contrasting peach rootstocks grown as trees, each with different size-controlling characteristics: ‘Nemaguard’ (vigorous), ‘P30-135’ (intermediate vigour) and ‘K146-43’ (substantially dwarfing). Based on anatomical measurements, the theoretical axial xylem conductance of each tissue type and rootstock genotype was calculated via the Poiseuille–Hagen law. Key Results Larger vessel dimensions were found in the vigorous rootstock (‘Nemaguard’) than in the most dwarfing one (‘K146-43’) whereas vessels of ‘P30-135’ had intermediate dimensions. The density of vessels per xylem area in ‘Nemaguard’ was also less than in ‘P30-135’and ‘K146-43’. These characteristics resulted in different estimated hydraulic conductance among rootstocks: ‘Nemaguard’ had higher theoretical values followed by ‘P30-135’ and ‘K146-43’. Conclusions These data indicate that phenotypic differences in xylem anatomical characteristics of rootstock genotypes appear to influence hydraulic conductance capacity directly, and therefore may be the main determinant of dwarfing in these peach rootstocks. PMID:19939979

Anatomical and Radiological Aspects of the Supratrochlear Foramen in Brazilians

PubMed Central

Gutfiten-Schlesinger, Gabriel; Leite, Túlio FO; Pires, Lucas AS; Silva, Julio G.

2016-01-01

Introduction The supratrochlear foramen is an anatomic variation of great clinical and anthropologic interest. Although many studies addressed this subject in different ethnic groups, there are no studies regarding Brazilians. Aim To verify the incidence and morphometric measures of the supratrochlear foramen in Brazilian humeri. Materials and Methods A total of 330 dry humeri were analysed and divided in three groups: bones presenting the supratrochlear foramen (Group 1), bones displaying a translucent foramen (Group 2) and humeri without the foramen (Group 3). The aperture was measured with a digital vernier caliper. Radiographic pictures with different incidences were taken. Results Our analysis showed that 22.5% of humeri belonged in Group 1, 41.2% in Group 2, and 36.3% in Group 3. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the supratrochlear foramen on the left side were 2.779±2.050 mm and 2.332±1.23 mm, respectively. The mean vertical diameter and the mean horizontal diameter of the foramen on the right side were 2.778±2.197 mm, and 2.365±1.396 mm, respectively. The student’s t-test showed that there was no significant difference regarding the size of the foramen between both sides. The best X-ray machine setup was 50 kilo voltage and 0.08 milliamperage per second, associated with a slight increase in the distance of the x-ray tube. Conclusion The aperture seems to be the key point during the pre-operative planning of intramedullary fixation, since it has direct relation to the size of the intramedullary canal, thus, being an entity of clinical, anatomical, anthropological, radiological, and surgical interest. PMID:27790415

Optimization of abdominal fat quantification on CT imaging through use of standardized anatomic space: A novel approach

PubMed Central

Tong, Yubing; Udupa, Jayaram K.; Torigian, Drew A.

2014-01-01

Purpose: The quantification of body fat plays an important role in the study of numerous diseases. It is common current practice to use the fat area at a single abdominal computed tomography (CT) slice as a marker of the body fat content in studying various disease processes. This paper sets out to answer three questions related to this issue which have not been addressed in the literature. At what single anatomic slice location do the areas of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimated from the slice correlate maximally with the corresponding fat volume measures? How does one ensure that the slices used for correlation calculation from different subjects are at the same anatomic location? Are there combinations of multiple slices (not necessarily contiguous) whose area sum correlates better with volume than does single slice area with volume? Methods: The authors propose a novel strategy for mapping slice locations to a standardized anatomic space so that same anatomic slice locations are identified in different subjects. The authors then study the volume-to-area correlations and determine where they become maximal. To address the third issue, the authors carry out similar correlation studies by utilizing two and three slices for calculating area sum. Results: Based on 50 abdominal CT data sets, the proposed mapping achieves significantly improved consistency of anatomic localization compared to current practice. Maximum correlations are achieved at different anatomic locations for SAT and VAT which are both different from the L4-L5 junction commonly utilized currently for single slice area estimation as a marker. Conclusions: The maximum area-to-volume correlation achieved is quite high, suggesting that it may be reasonable to estimate body fat by measuring the area of fat from a single anatomic slice at the site of maximum correlation and use this as a marker. The site of maximum correlation is not at L4-L5 as commonly assumed, but is more superiorly located at T12-L1 for SAT and at L3-L4 for VAT. Furthermore, the optimal anatomic locations for SAT and VAT estimation are not the same, contrary to common assumption. The proposed standardized space mapping achieves high consistency of anatomic localization by accurately managing nonlinearities in the relationships among landmarks. Multiple slices achieve greater improvement in correlation for VAT than for SAT. The optimal locations in the case of multiple slices are not contiguous. PMID:24877839

Optimization of abdominal fat quantification on CT imaging through use of standardized anatomic space: A novel approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tong, Yubing; Udupa, Jayaram K., E-mail: jay@mail.med.upenn.edu; Torigian, Drew A.

Purpose: The quantification of body fat plays an important role in the study of numerous diseases. It is common current practice to use the fat area at a single abdominal computed tomography (CT) slice as a marker of the body fat content in studying various disease processes. This paper sets out to answer three questions related to this issue which have not been addressed in the literature. At what single anatomic slice location do the areas of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimated from the slice correlate maximally with the corresponding fat volume measures? How doesmore » one ensure that the slices used for correlation calculation from different subjects are at the same anatomic location? Are there combinations of multiple slices (not necessarily contiguous) whose area sum correlates better with volume than does single slice area with volume? Methods: The authors propose a novel strategy for mapping slice locations to a standardized anatomic space so that same anatomic slice locations are identified in different subjects. The authors then study the volume-to-area correlations and determine where they become maximal. To address the third issue, the authors carry out similar correlation studies by utilizing two and three slices for calculating area sum. Results: Based on 50 abdominal CT data sets, the proposed mapping achieves significantly improved consistency of anatomic localization compared to current practice. Maximum correlations are achieved at different anatomic locations for SAT and VAT which are both different from the L4-L5 junction commonly utilized currently for single slice area estimation as a marker. Conclusions: The maximum area-to-volume correlation achieved is quite high, suggesting that it may be reasonable to estimate body fat by measuring the area of fat from a single anatomic slice at the site of maximum correlation and use this as a marker. The site of maximum correlation is not at L4-L5 as commonly assumed, but is more superiorly located at T12-L1 for SAT and at L3-L4 for VAT. Furthermore, the optimal anatomic locations for SAT and VAT estimation are not the same, contrary to common assumption. The proposed standardized space mapping achieves high consistency of anatomic localization by accurately managing nonlinearities in the relationships among landmarks. Multiple slices achieve greater improvement in correlation for VAT than for SAT. The optimal locations in the case of multiple slices are not contiguous.« less

Maximizing Modern Distribution of Complex Anatomical Spatial Information: 3D Reconstruction and Rapid Prototype Production of Anatomical Corrosion Casts of Human Specimens

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Jianyi; Nie, Lanying; Li, Zeyu; Lin, Lijun; Tang, Lei; Ouyang, Jun

2012-01-01

Anatomical corrosion casts of human specimens are useful teaching aids. However, their use is limited due to ethical dilemmas associated with their production, their lack of perfect reproducibility, and their consumption of original specimens in the process of casting. In this study, new approaches with modern distribution of complex anatomical…

The Direct Insertion of the ACL Carries More Load than the Indirect Insertion

PubMed Central

Nawabi, Danyal H.; Tucker, Scott; Jones, Kristofer J.; Nguyen, Joseph; Wickiewicz, Thomas L.; Imhauser, Carl; Pearle, Andrew

2014-01-01

Objectives: Recent histological studies have shown that the ACL consists of two different structures: the direct and indirect insertions. The direct insertion is located along the lateral intercondylar ridge and the indirect insertion is ‘lower’ in the notch, adjacent to the posterior articular cartilage. The ‘lower’ position has become more popular for locating the femoral tunnel, as surgeons switch to the anteromedial (AM) portal drilling technique in order to place the graft in the region of the native footprint. However, a recent registry-based outcomes study has reported a 1.5 times higher graft failure rate for AM portal versus traditional transtibial techniques. The objective of this study was to investigate the load characteristics of the native ACL in the regions of the direct and indirect insertions. We hypothesized that the direct insertion would carry more load than the indirect insertion. Methods: Twelve cadaveric knees were mounted to a six degree of freedom robot equipped with a universal force-moment sensor. We simulated the Lachman and anterior drawer tests at 30oand 90o of flexion by applying a 134N anterior load, and the pivot shift test at 15o flexion by applying combined valgus (8Nm) and internal (4Nm) rotational moments. The kinematic pathway required to achieve these loading conditions was recorded for each intact knee. Using position control to repeat the loading paths, the robot recorded the loads for the ACL intact, ACL partially sectioned, and ACL completely sectioned states. Sectioning Protocol: The lateral intercondylar ridge and posterior articular margin was identified in each case. The 50% mark between this two areas was used to delineate the regions of the direct and indirect insertions (Fig. 1). Sectioning order was alternated between each cadaver. Footprint Digitization: The borders of the sectioned areas were digitized post-sectioning and mapped onto a computed tomography (CT) scan of each knee. The sectioning method was assessed under a blinded validation by experienced observers (TW, AP) who excluded two specimens that did not conform to the objective definitions of the sectioning method. Statistics: Loads were compared between direct and indirect locations at different flexion angles by conducting two-way repeated measures ANOVA models. Results: Under an anterior tibial load at 30o flexion, the direct insertion carried 83.9% (±7.2%) of the total ACL load compared to 16.1% (±7.2%) in the indirect insertion (p<0.001). The direct insertion also carried more load at 90o flexion (95.2% vs 4.8%; p<0.001). Under a combined rotatory load at 15o flexion, the direct insertion carried 84.2% (±4.2%)of the total ACL load compared to 15.8% (±4.2%) in the indirect insertion (p<0.001). Conclusion: The fibres in the direct insertion of the ACL carry more load than fibres in the indirect insertion. Previous studies have suggested that the direct insertion plays a major role in the mechanical link between the ACL and bone. With the current shift in emphasis towards anatomic ACL reconstruction, it may be beneficial to create the femoral tunnel within the direct insertion rather than ‘lower’ in the notch. Although further work is required in determining graft behaviour at the new insertions sites described in this study, our findings suggest that placing a graft in the region of the direct insertion may be an important consideration when adhering to the principles of anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Investigation of topographical anatomy of Broca's area: an anatomic cadaveric study.

PubMed

Eser Ocak, Pınar; Kocaelı, Hasan

2017-04-01

The sulci constituting the structure of the pars triangularis and opercularis, considered as 'Broca's area', present wide anatomical and morphological variations between different hemispheres. The boundaries are described differently from one another in various studies. The aim of this study was to explore the topographical anatomy, confirm the morphological asymmetry and highlight anatomical variations in Broca's area. This study was performed with 100 hemispheres to investigate the presence, continuity, patterns and connections of the sulcal structures that constitute the morphological asymmetry of Broca's area. Considerable individual anatomical and morphological variations between the inferior frontal gyrus and related sulcal structures were detected. Rare bilateralism findings supported the morphological asymmetry. The inferior frontal sulcus was identified as a single segment in 54 % of the right and two separate segments in 52 % of the left hemispheres, which was the most common pattern. The diagonal sulcus was present in 48 % of the right and 54 % of the left hemispheres. It was most frequently connected to the ascending ramus on both sides. A 'V' shape was observed in 42.5 % of the right hemispheres and a 'Y' shape in 38.3 % of the left hemispheres, which was the most common shape of the pars triangularis. Moreover, the full results are specified in detail. Knowledge of the anatomical variations in this region is indispensable for understanding the functional structure and performing safe surgery. However, most previously published studies have aimed to determine the anatomical asymmetry of the motor speech area without illuminating the topographical anatomy encountered during surgery.

Evolutionary trends in directional hearing

PubMed Central

Carr, Catherine E.; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jakob

2016-01-01

Tympanic hearing is a true evolutionary novelty that arose in parallel within early tetrapods. We propose that in these tetrapods, selection for sound localization in air acted upon pre-existing directionally sensitive brainstem circuits, similar to those in fishes. Auditory circuits in birds and lizards resemble this ancestral, directionally sensitive framework. Despite this anatomically similarity, coding of sound source location differs between birds and lizards. In birds, brainstem circuits compute sound location from interaural cues. Lizards, however, have coupled ears, and do not need to compute source location in the brain. Thus their neural processing of sound direction differs, although all show mechanisms for enhancing sound source directionality. Comparisons with mammals reveal similarly complex interactions between coding strategies and evolutionary history. PMID:27448850

TU-CD-207-12: Impact of Anatomical Noise On Detection Performance of Microcalcifications in Multi-Contrast Breast Imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garrett, J; Ge, Y; Li, K

2015-06-15

Purpose: The anatomical noise power spectra (NPS) for differential phase contrast (DPC) and dark field (DF) imaging have recently been characterized using a power-law model with two parameters, alpha and beta, an innovative extension to the methodology used in x-ray attenuation based breast imaging such as mammography, DBT, or cone-beam CT. Beta values of 3.6, 2.6, and 1.3 have been measured for absorption, DPC, and DF respectively for cadaver breasts imaged in the coronal plane; these dramatic differences should be reflected in their detection performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of anatomical noise on breastmore » calcification detection and compare the detection performance of the three contrast mechanisms of a multi-contrast x-ray imaging system. Methods: In our studies, a calcification image object was segmented out of the multi-contrast images of a cadaver breast specimen. 50 measured total NPS were measured from breast cadavers directly. The ideal model observer detectability was calculated for a range of doses (5–100%) and a range of calcification sizes (diameter = 0.25–2.5 mm). Results: Overall we found the highest average detectability corresponded to DPC imaging (7.4 for 1 mm calc.), with DF the next highest (3.8 for 1 mm calc.), and absorption the lowest (3.2 for 1 mm calc.). However, absorption imaging also showed the slowest dependence on dose of the three modalities due to the significant anatomical noise. DPC showed a peak detectability for calcifications ∼1.25 mm in diameter, DF showed a peak for calcifications around 0.75 mm in diameter, and absorption imaging had no such peak in the range explored. Conclusion: Understanding imaging performance for DPC and DF is critical to transition these modalities to the clinic. The results presented here offer new insight into how these modalities complement absorption imaging to maximize the likelihood of detecting early breast cancers. J. Garrett, Y. Ge, K. Li: Nothing to disclose. G.-H. Chen: Research funded, GE Healthcare; Research funded, Siemens AX.« less

Patient-specific surgical planning and hemodynamic computational fluid dynamics optimization through free-form haptic anatomy editing tool (SURGEM).

PubMed

Pekkan, Kerem; Whited, Brian; Kanter, Kirk; Sharma, Shiva; de Zelicourt, Diane; Sundareswaran, Kartik; Frakes, David; Rossignac, Jarek; Yoganathan, Ajit P

2008-11-01

The first version of an anatomy editing/surgical planning tool (SURGEM) targeting anatomical complexity and patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is presented. Novel three-dimensional (3D) shape editing concepts and human-shape interaction technologies have been integrated to facilitate interactive surgical morphology alterations, grid generation and CFD analysis. In order to implement "manual hemodynamic optimization" at the surgery planning phase for patients with congenital heart defects, these tools are applied to design and evaluate possible modifications of patient-specific anatomies. In this context, anatomies involve complex geometric topologies and tortuous 3D blood flow pathways with multiple inlets and outlets. These tools make it possible to freely deform the lumen surface and to bend and position baffles through real-time, direct manipulation of the 3D models with both hands, thus eliminating the tedious and time-consuming phase of entering the desired geometry using traditional computer-aided design (CAD) systems. The 3D models of the modified anatomies are seamlessly exported and meshed for patient-specific CFD analysis. Free-formed anatomical modifications are quantified using an in-house skeletization based cross-sectional geometry analysis tool. Hemodynamic performance of the systematically modified anatomies is compared with the original anatomy using CFD. CFD results showed the relative importance of the various surgically created features such as pouch size, vena cave to pulmonary artery (PA) flare and PA stenosis. An interactive surgical-patch size estimator is also introduced. The combined design/analysis cycle time is used for comparing and optimizing surgical plans and improvements are tabulated. The reduced cost of patient-specific shape design and analysis process, made it possible to envision large clinical studies to assess the validity of predictive patient-specific CFD simulations. In this paper, model anatomical design studies are performed on a total of eight different complex patient specific anatomies. Using SURGEM, more than 30 new anatomical designs (or candidate configurations) are created, and the corresponding user times presented. CFD performances for eight of these candidate configurations are also presented.

An eFTD-VP framework for efficiently generating patient-specific anatomically detailed facial soft tissue FE mesh for craniomaxillofacial surgery simulation

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaoyan; Kim, Daeseung; Shen, Shunyao; Yuan, Peng; Liu, Siting; Tang, Zhen; Zhang, Guangming; Zhou, Xiaobo; Gateno, Jaime

2017-01-01

Accurate surgical planning and prediction of craniomaxillofacial surgery outcome requires simulation of soft tissue changes following osteotomy. This can only be achieved by using an anatomically detailed facial soft tissue model. The current state-of-the-art of model generation is not appropriate to clinical applications due to the time-intensive nature of manual segmentation and volumetric mesh generation. The conventional patient-specific finite element (FE) mesh generation methods are to deform a template FE mesh to match the shape of a patient based on registration. However, these methods commonly produce element distortion. Additionally, the mesh density for patients depends on that of the template model. It could not be adjusted to conduct mesh density sensitivity analysis. In this study, we propose a new framework of patient-specific facial soft tissue FE mesh generation. The goal of the developed method is to efficiently generate a high-quality patient-specific hexahedral FE mesh with adjustable mesh density while preserving the accuracy in anatomical structure correspondence. Our FE mesh is generated by eFace template deformation followed by volumetric parametrization. First, the patient-specific anatomically detailed facial soft tissue model (including skin, mucosa, and muscles) is generated by deforming an eFace template model. The adaptation of the eFace template model is achieved by using a hybrid landmark-based morphing and dense surface fitting approach followed by a thin-plate spline interpolation. Then, high-quality hexahedral mesh is constructed by using volumetric parameterization. The user can control the resolution of hexahedron mesh to best reflect clinicians’ need. Our approach was validated using 30 patient models and 4 visible human datasets. The generated patient-specific FE mesh showed high surface matching accuracy, element quality, and internal structure matching accuracy. They can be directly and effectively used for clinical simulation of facial soft tissue change. PMID:29027022

An eFTD-VP framework for efficiently generating patient-specific anatomically detailed facial soft tissue FE mesh for craniomaxillofacial surgery simulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoyan; Kim, Daeseung; Shen, Shunyao; Yuan, Peng; Liu, Siting; Tang, Zhen; Zhang, Guangming; Zhou, Xiaobo; Gateno, Jaime; Liebschner, Michael A K; Xia, James J

2018-04-01

Accurate surgical planning and prediction of craniomaxillofacial surgery outcome requires simulation of soft tissue changes following osteotomy. This can only be achieved by using an anatomically detailed facial soft tissue model. The current state-of-the-art of model generation is not appropriate to clinical applications due to the time-intensive nature of manual segmentation and volumetric mesh generation. The conventional patient-specific finite element (FE) mesh generation methods are to deform a template FE mesh to match the shape of a patient based on registration. However, these methods commonly produce element distortion. Additionally, the mesh density for patients depends on that of the template model. It could not be adjusted to conduct mesh density sensitivity analysis. In this study, we propose a new framework of patient-specific facial soft tissue FE mesh generation. The goal of the developed method is to efficiently generate a high-quality patient-specific hexahedral FE mesh with adjustable mesh density while preserving the accuracy in anatomical structure correspondence. Our FE mesh is generated by eFace template deformation followed by volumetric parametrization. First, the patient-specific anatomically detailed facial soft tissue model (including skin, mucosa, and muscles) is generated by deforming an eFace template model. The adaptation of the eFace template model is achieved by using a hybrid landmark-based morphing and dense surface fitting approach followed by a thin-plate spline interpolation. Then, high-quality hexahedral mesh is constructed by using volumetric parameterization. The user can control the resolution of hexahedron mesh to best reflect clinicians' need. Our approach was validated using 30 patient models and 4 visible human datasets. The generated patient-specific FE mesh showed high surface matching accuracy, element quality, and internal structure matching accuracy. They can be directly and effectively used for clinical simulation of facial soft tissue change.

[Extended endoscopic endonasal posterior (transclival) approach to tumors of the clival region and ventral posterior cranial fossa. Part 1. Topographic and anatomical features of the clivus and adjacent structures].

PubMed

Shkarubo, A N; Koval', K V; Dobrovol'skiy, G F; Shkarubo, M A; Karnaukhov, V V; Kadashev, B A; Andreev, D N; Chernov, I V; Gadzhieva, O A; Aleshkina, O Yu; Anisimova, E A; Kalinin, P L; Kutin, M A; Fomichev, D V; Sharipov, O I; Ismailov, D B; Selivanov, E S

to describe the main topographic and anatomical features of the clival region and its adjacent structures for improvement and optimization of the extended endoscopic endonasal posterior (transclival) approach for resection of tumors of the clival region and ventral posterior cranial fossa. We performed a craniometric study of 125 human skulls and a topographic anatomical study of heads of 25 cadavers, the arterial and venous bed of which was stained with colored silicone (the staining technique was developed by the authors) to visualize bed features and individual variability. Currently, we have clinical material from more than 120 surgical patients with various skull base tumors of the clival region and ventral posterior cranial fossa (chordomas, pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, cholesteatomas, etc.) who were operated on using the endoscopic transclival approach. We present the main anatomical landmarks and parameters of some anatomical structures that are required for performing the endoscopic endonasal posterior approach. The anatomical landmarks, such as the intradural openings of the abducens and glossopharyngeal nerves, may be used to arbitrarily divide the clival region into the superior, middle, and inferior thirds. The anatomical landmarks important for the surgeon, which are detected during a topographic anatomical study of the skull base, facilitate identification of the boundaries between the different clival portions and the C1 segments of the internal carotid arteries. The superior, middle, and inferior transclival approaches provide an access to the ventral surface of the upper, middle, and lower neurovascular complexes in the posterior cranial fossa. The endoscopic transclival approach may be used to access midline tumors of the posterior cranial fossa. The approach is an alternative to transcranial approaches in surgical treatment of clival region lesions. This approach provides results comparable (and sometimes better) to those of the transcranial and transfacial approaches.

Magnetic resonance imaging diffusion tensor tractography: evaluation of anatomic accuracy of different fiber tracking software packages.

PubMed

Feigl, Guenther C; Hiergeist, Wolfgang; Fellner, Claudia; Schebesch, Karl-Michael M; Doenitz, Christian; Finkenzeller, Thomas; Brawanski, Alexander; Schlaier, Juergen

2014-01-01

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based tractography has become an integral part of preoperative diagnostic imaging in many neurosurgical centers, and other nonsurgical specialties depend increasingly on DTI tractography as a diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to analyze the anatomic accuracy of visualized white matter fiber pathways using different, readily available DTI tractography software programs. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head of 20 healthy volunteers were acquired using a Siemens Symphony TIM 1.5T scanner and a 12-channel head array coil. The standard settings of the scans in this study were 12 diffusion directions and 5-mm slices. The fornices were chosen as an anatomic structure for the comparative fiber tracking. Identical data sets were loaded into nine different fiber tracking packages that used different algorithms. The nine software packages and algorithms used were NeuroQLab (modified tensor deflection [TEND] algorithm), Sörensen DTI task card (modified streamline tracking technique algorithm), Siemens DTI module (modified fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm), six different software packages from Trackvis (interpolated streamline algorithm, modified FACT algorithm, second-order Runge-Kutta algorithm, Q-ball [FACT algorithm], tensorline algorithm, Q-ball [second-order Runge-Kutta algorithm]), DTI Query (modified streamline tracking technique algorithm), Medinria (modified TEND algorithm), Brainvoyager (modified TEND algorithm), DTI Studio modified FACT algorithm, and the BrainLab DTI module based on the modified Runge-Kutta algorithm. Three examiners (a neuroradiologist, a magnetic resonance imaging physicist, and a neurosurgeon) served as examiners. They were double-blinded with respect to the test subject and the fiber tracking software used in the presented images. Each examiner evaluated 301 images. The examiners were instructed to evaluate screenshots from the different programs based on two main criteria: (i) anatomic accuracy of the course of the displayed fibers and (ii) number of fibers displayed outside the anatomic boundaries. The mean overall grade for anatomic accuracy was 2.2 (range, 1.1-3.6) with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.9. The mean overall grade for incorrectly displayed fibers was 2.5 (range, 1.6-3.5) with a SD of 0.6. The mean grade of the overall program ranking was 2.3 with a SD of 0.6. The overall mean grade of the program ranked number one (NeuroQLab) was 1.7 (range, 1.5-2.8). The mean overall grade of the program ranked last (BrainLab iPlan Cranial 2.6 DTI Module) was 3.3 (range, 1.7-4). The difference between the mean grades of these two programs was statistically highly significant (P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the programs ranked 1-3: NeuroQLab, Sörensen DTI Task Card, and Siemens DTI module. The results of this study show that there is a statistically significant difference in the anatomic accuracy of the tested DTI fiber tracking programs. Although incorrectly displayed fibers could lead to wrong conclusions in the neurosciences field, which relies heavily on this noninvasive imaging technique, incorrectly displayed fibers in neurosurgery could lead to surgical decisions potentially harmful for the patient if used without intraoperative cortical stimulation. DTI fiber tracking presents a valuable noninvasive preoperative imaging tool, which requires further validation after important standardization of the acquisition and processing techniques currently available. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Renal magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 Tesla using a 32-element phased-array coil system and parallel imaging in 2 directions.

PubMed

Fenchel, Michael; Nael, Kambiz; Deshpande, Vibhas S; Finn, J Paul; Kramer, Ulrich; Miller, Stephan; Ruehm, Stefan; Laub, Gerhard

2006-09-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of renal magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 T using a phased-array coil system with 32-coil elements. Specifically, high parallel imaging factors were used for an increased spatial resolution and anatomic coverage of the whole abdomen. Signal-to-noise values and the g-factor distribution of the 32 element coil were examined in phantom studies for the magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequence. Eleven volunteers (6 men, median age of 30.0 years) were examined on a 3.0-T MR scanner (Magnetom Trio, Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA) using a 32-element phased-array coil (prototype from In vivo Corp.). Contrast-enhanced 3D-MRA (TR 2.95 milliseconds, TE 1.12 milliseconds, flip angle 25-30 degrees , bandwidth 650 Hz/pixel) was acquired with integrated generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA), in both phase- and slice-encoding direction. Images were assessed by 2 independent observers with regard to image quality, noise and presence of artifacts. Signal-to-noise levels of 22.2 +/- 22.0 and 57.9 +/- 49.0 were measured with (GRAPPAx6) and without parallel-imaging, respectively. The mean g-factor of the 32-element coil for GRAPPA with an acceleration of 3 and 2 in the phase-encoding and slice-encoding direction, respectively, was 1.61. High image quality was found in 9 of 11 volunteers (2.6 +/- 0.8) with good overall interobserver agreement (k = 0.87). Relatively low image quality with higher noise levels were encountered in 2 volunteers. MRA at 3.0 T using a 32-element phased-array coil is feasible in healthy volunteers. High diagnostic image quality and extended anatomic coverage could be achieved with application of high parallel imaging factors.

A comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and direct measurement in the examination of the mandibular canal and adjacent structures.

PubMed

Kim, Thomas S; Caruso, Joseph M; Christensen, Heidi; Torabinejad, Mahmoud

2010-07-01

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the ability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning to measure distances from the apices of selected posterior teeth to the mandibular canal. Measurements were taken from the apices of all posterior teeth that were superior to the mandibular canal. A pilot study was performed to determine the scanning parameters that produced the most diagnostic image and the best dissection technique. Twelve human hemimandibles with posterior teeth were scanned at .20 voxels on an I-CAT Classic CBCT device (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA), and the scans were exported in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. The scans were examined in InVivo Dental software (Anatomage, San Jose, CA), and measurements were taken from the apex of each root along its long axis to the upper portion of the mandibular canal. The specimens were dissected under a dental operating microscope, and analogous direct measurements were taken with a Boley gauge. All measurements were taken in triplicate at least 1 week apart by one individual (TSK). The results were averaged and the data separated into matching pairs for statistical analysis. There was no statistical difference (alpha = .05) between the methods of measurement according to the Wilcoxon matched pairs test (p = 0.676). For the anatomic measurements, the intra-rater correlation coefficient (ICC) was .980 and for the CBCT it was .949, indicating that both methods were highly reproducible. Both measurement methods were highly predictive of and highly correlated to each other according to regression and correlation analysis, respectively. Based on the results of this study, the I-CAT Classic can be used to measure distances from the apices of the posterior teeth to the mandibular canal as accurately as direct anatomic dissection. Copyright 2010 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

Real-time reconstruction of three-dimensional brain surface MR image using new volume-surface rendering technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watanabe, T.; Momose, T.; Oku, S.

It is essential to obtain realistic brain surface images, in which sulci and gyri are easily recognized, when examining the correlation between functional (PET or SPECT) and anatomical (MRI) brain studies. The volume rendering technique (VRT) is commonly employed to make three-dimensional (3D) brain surface images. This technique, however, takes considerable time to make only one 3D image. Therefore it has not been practical to make the brain surface images in arbitrary directions on a real-time basis using ordinary work stations or personal computers. The surface rendering technique (SRT), on the other hand, is much less computationally demanding, but themore » quality of resulting images is not satisfactory for our purpose. A new computer algorithm has been developed to make 3D brain surface MR images very quickly using a volume-surface rendering technique (VSRT), in which the quality of resulting images is comparable to that of VRT and computation time to SRT. In VSRT the process of volume rendering is done only once to the direction of the normal vector of each surface point, rather than each time a new view point is determined as in VRT. Subsequent reconstruction of the 3D image uses a similar algorithm to that of SRT. Thus we can obtain brain surface MR images of sufficient quality viewed from any direction on a real-time basis using an easily available personal computer (Macintosh Quadra 800). The calculation time to make a 3D image is less than 1 sec. in VSRT, while that is more than 15 sec. in the conventional VRT. The difference of resulting image quality between VSRT and VRT is almost imperceptible. In conclusion, our new technique for real-time reconstruction of 3D brain surface MR image is very useful and practical in the functional and anatomical correlation study.« less

A 4-year clinical evaluation of direct composite build-ups for space closure after orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Demirci, Mustafa; Tuncer, Safa; Öztaş, Evren; Tekçe, Neslihan; Uysal, Ömer

2015-12-01

To evaluate the medium-term clinical performance of direct composite build-ups for diastema closures and teeth recontouring using a nano and a nanohybrid composite in combination with three- or two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives following treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. A total of 30 patients (mean age, 19.5 years) received 147 direct composite additions for teeth recontouring and diastema closures. A nano and a nanohybrid composite (Filtek Supreme XT and CeramX Duo) were bonded to tooth structure by using a three-step (Scotchbond Multipurpose) or a two-step (XP Bond) etch and rinse adhesive. Ten out of 147 composite build-ups (composite addition) constituted tooth recontouring cases, and the remaining 137 constituted diastema closure cases. The restorations were evaluated by two experienced, calibrated examiners according to modified Ryge criteria at the following time intervals: baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. The 4-year survival rates were 92.8 % for Filtek Supreme XT/Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus and 93 % for CeramX Duo/XP Bond. Only ten restorations failed (5 Filtek Supreme XT and 5 CeramX Duo). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the two composite-adhesive combinations with respect to color match, marginal discoloration, wear/loss of anatomical form, caries formation, marginal adaptation, and surface texture on comparing the five time periods (baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years) The 4-year survival rates in the present study were favorable. The restorations exhibited excellent scores with regard to color match, marginal adaptation, surface texture, marginal discoloration, wear/loss of anatomical form, and caries formation, after 4 years of clinical evaluation. Clinical relevance An alternative clinical approach for correcting discrepancies in tooth size and form, such as performing direct composite restorations following fixed orthodontic treatment, may be an excellent and minimally invasive treatment.

A novel anatomical short glass fiber reinforced post in an endodontically treated premolar mechanical resistance evaluation using acoustic emission under fatigue testing.

PubMed

Wang, Hsuan-Wen; Chang, Yen-Hsiang; Lin, Chun-Li

2017-01-01

This study evaluates the fracture resistance in an endodontically treated tooth using circular fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) and innovated anatomical short glass fiber reinforced (SGFR) posts under fatigue testing, monitored using the acoustic emission (AE) technique. An anatomical SGFR fiber post with an oval shape and slot/notch design was manufactured using an injection-molding machine. Crown/core maxillary second premolar restorations were executed using the anatomical SGFR and commercial cylindrical fiber posts under fatigue test to understand the mechanical resistances. The load versus AE signals in the fracture and fatigue tests were recorded to evaluate the restored tooth failure resistance. The static fracture resistance results showed that teeth restored using the anatomical SGFR post presented higher resistance than teeth restored using the commercial FRC post. The fatigue test endurance limitation (1.2×10 6 cycles) was 207.1N for the anatomical SGFR fiber post, higher than the 185.3N found with the commercial FRC post. The average accumulated number of AE signals and corresponding micro cracks for the anatomical SGFR fiber post (153.0 hits and 2.44 cracks) were significantly lower than those for the commercial FRC post (194.7 hits and 4.78 cracks) under 40% of the static maximum resistance fatigue test load (pass 1.2×10 6 cycles). This study concluded that the anatomical SGFR fiber post with surface slot/notch design made using precise injection molding presented superior static fracture resistance and fatigue endurance limitation than those for the commercial FRC post in an endodontically treated premolar. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Renal mass anatomic characteristics and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a critical analysis.

PubMed

Tsivian, Matvey; Ulusoy, Said; Abern, Michael; Wandel, Ayelet; Sidi, A Ami; Tsivian, Alexander

2012-10-01

Anatomic parameters determining renal mass complexity have been used in a number of proposed scoring systems despite lack of a critical analysis of their independent contributions. We sought to assess the independent contribution of anatomic parameters on perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Preoperative imaging studies were reviewed for 147 consecutive patients undergoing LPN for a single renal mass. Renal mass anatomy was recorded: Size, growth pattern (endo-/meso-/exophytic), centrality (central/hilar/peripheral), anterior/posterior, lateral/medial, polar location. Multivariable models were used to determine associations of anatomic parameters with warm ischemia time (WIT), operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), intra- and postoperative complications, as well as renal function. All models were adjusted for the learning curve and relevant confounders. Median (range) tumor size was 3.3 cm (1.5-11 cm); 52% were central and 14% hilar. While 44% were exophytic, 23% and 33% were mesophytic and endophytic, respectively. Anatomic parameters did not uniformly predict perioperative outcomes. WIT was associated with tumor size (P=0.068), centrality (central, P=0.016; hilar, P=0.073), and endophytic growth pattern (P=0.017). OT was only associated with tumor size (P<0.001). No anatomic parameter predicted EBL. Tumor centrality increased the odds of overall and intraoperative complications, without reaching statistical significance. Postoperative renal function was not associated with any of the anatomic parameters considered after adjustment for baseline function and WIT. Learning curve, considered as a confounder, was independently associated with reduced WIT and OT as well as reduced odds of intraoperative complications. This study provides a detailed analysis of the independent impact of renal mass anatomic parameters on perioperative outcomes. Our findings suggest diverse independent contributions of the anatomic parameters to the different measures of outcomes (WIT, OT, EBL, complications, and renal function) emphasizing the importance of the learning curve.

Ultrasound-guided needle EMG of the diaphragm: technique description and case report.

PubMed

Boon, Andrea J; Alsharif, Kais I; Harper, C Michel; Smith, Jay

2008-12-01

We describe an ultrasound (US)-guided technique for needle examination of the diaphragm and report a case in which the adjuvant use of diagnostic US in conjunction with electrophysiologic studies provided additional information regarding the motion of the diaphragm in a patient who was a potential candidate for phrenic nerve pacing. US imaging provides excellent direct and real-time visualization of soft tissue, anatomic landmarks, fascial planes, and neurovascular structures. It thereby enhances safety by avoiding accidental needle puncture of vital organs, and it also increases the diagnostic utility of the needle examination.

Age-related changes in thoracic skeletal geometry of elderly females.

PubMed

Holcombe, Sven A; Wang, Stewart C; Grotberg, James B

2017-05-29

Both females and the elderly have been identified as vulnerable populations with increased injury and mortality risk in multiple crash scenarios. Particularly in frontal impacts, older females show higher risk to the chest and thorax than their younger or male counterparts. Thoracic geometry plays a role in this increase, and this study aims to quantify key parts of that geometry in a way that can directly inform human body models that incorporate the concept of person age. Computed tomography scans from 2 female subject groups aged 20-35 and 65-99 were selected from the International Center for Automotive Medicine scan database representing young and old female populations. A model of thoracic skeletal anatomy was built for each subject from independent parametric models of the spine, ribs, and sternum, along with further parametric models of those components' spatial relationships. Parameter values between the 2 groups are directly compared, and average parameter values within each group are used to generate statistically average skeletal geometry for young and old females. In addition to the anatomic measures explicitly used in the parameterization scheme, key measures of rib cage depth and spine curvature are taken from both the underlying subject pool and from the resultant representative geometries. Statistically significant differences were seen between the young and old groups' spine and rib anatomic components, with no significant differences in local sternal geometry found. Vertebral segments in older females had higher angles relative to their inferior neighbors, providing a quantification of the kyphotic curvature known to be associated with age. Ribs in older females had greater end-to-end span, greater aspect ratio, and reduced out-of-plane deviation, producing an elongated and overall flatter curvature that leads to distal rib ends extending further anteriorly in older individuals. Combined differences in spine curvature and rib geometry led to an 18-mm difference in anterior placement of the sternum between young and old subjects. This study provides new geometric data regarding the variability in anthropometry of adult females with age and has utility in advancing the veracity of current human body models. A simplified scaffold representation of underlying 3-dimensional bones within the thorax is presented, and the reported young and old female parameter sets can be used to characterize the anatomic differences expected with age and to both validate and drive morphing algorithms for aged human body models. The modular approach taken allows model parameters to hold inherent and intuitive meaning, offering advantages over more generalized methods such as principal component analysis. Geometry can be assessed on a component level or a whole thorax level, and the parametric representation of thorax shape allows direct comparisons between the current study and other individuals or human body models.

[A method for rapid extracting three-dimensional root model of vivo tooth from cone beam computed tomography data based on the anatomical characteristics of periodontal ligament].

PubMed

Zhao, Y J; Wang, S W; Liu, Y; Wang, Y

2017-02-18

To explore a new method for rapid extracting and rebuilding three-dimensional (3D) digital root model of vivo tooth from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data based on the anatomical characteristics of periodontal ligament, and to evaluate the extraction accuracy of the method. In the study, 15 extracted teeth (11 with single root, 4 with double roots) were collected from oral clinic and 3D digital root models of each tooth were obtained by 3D dental scanner with a high accuracy 0.02 mm in STL format. CBCT data for each patient were acquired before tooth extraction, DICOM data with a voxel size 0.3 mm were input to Mimics 18.0 software. Segmentation, Morphology operations, Boolean operations and Smart expanded function in Mimics software were used to edit teeth, bone and periodontal ligament threshold mask, and root threshold mask were automatically acquired after a series of mask operations. 3D digital root models were extracted in STL format finally. 3D morphology deviation between the extracted root models and corresponding vivo root models were compared in Geomagic Studio 2012 software. The 3D size errors in long axis, bucco-lingual direction and mesio-distal direction were also calculated. The average value of the 3D morphology deviation for 15 roots by calculating Root Mean Square (RMS) value was 0.22 mm, the average size errors in the mesio-distal direction, the bucco-lingual direction and the long axis were 0.46 mm, 0.36 mm and -0.68 mm separately. The average time of this new method for extracting single root was about 2-3 min. It could meet the accuracy requirement of the root 3D reconstruction fororal clinical use. This study established a new method for rapid extracting 3D root model of vivo tooth from CBCT data. It could simplify the traditional manual operation and improve the efficiency and automation of single root extraction. The strategy of this method for complete dentition extraction needs further research.

Students’ perceptions of anatomy across the undergraduate problem-based learning medical curriculum: a phenomenographical study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background To get insight in how theoretical knowledge is transformed into clinical skills, important information may arise from mapping the development of anatomical knowledge during the undergraduate medical curriculum. If we want to gain a better understanding of teaching and learning in anatomy, it may be pertinent to move beyond the question of how and consider also the what, why and when of anatomy education. Methods A purposive sample of 78 medical students from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th year of a PBL curriculum participated in 4 focus groups. Each group came together twice, and all meetings were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed with template analysis using a phenomenographical approach. Results Five major topics emerged and are described covering the students’ perceptions on their anatomy education and anatomical knowledge: 1) motivation to study anatomy, 2) the relevance of anatomical knowledge, 3) assessment of anatomical knowledge, 4) students’ (in)security about their anatomical knowledge and 5) the use of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice. Conclusions Results indicated that a PBL approach in itself was not enough to ensure adequate learning of anatomy, and support the hypothesis that educational principles like time-on-task and repetition, have a stronger impact on students’ perceived and actual anatomical knowledge than the educational approach underpinning a curriculum. For example, students state that repetitive studying of the subject increases retention of knowledge to a greater extent than stricter assessment, and teaching in context enhances motivation and transfer. Innovations in teaching and assessment, like spiral curriculum, teaching in context, teaching for transfer and assessment for learning (rewarding understanding and higher order cognitive skills), are required to improve anatomy education. PMID:24252155

Characterization of Breast Implant Surfaces, Shapes, and Biomechanics: A Comparison of High Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Textured Silicone, Breast Implants from Three Different Manufacturers.

PubMed

Atlan, Michael; Bigerelle, Maxence; Larreta-garde, Véronique; Hindié, Mathilde; Hedén, Per

2016-02-01

Several companies offer anatomically shaped breast implants but differences among manufacturers are often misunderstood. The shell texture is a crucial parameter for anatomically shaped implants to prevent rotation and to decrease the risk of capsular contracture, even though concerns have recently been raised concerning the complications associated with textured breast implants. The aim of this study was to characterize differences in terms of texture, cell adhesion, shape, and stiffness between some commonly used anatomically shaped implants from three different manufacturers. Five commercially available anatomically shaped breast implants from 3 different manufacturers (Allergan, Mentor, and Sebbin) were used. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, and scanning mechanical microscopy were used to characterize the shell texture. Human fibroblast adhesion onto the shells was evaluated. 3D models of the implants were obtained using CT-scan acquisitions to analyze their shape. Implant stiffness was evaluated using a tractiometer. Major differences were observed in the topography of the textures of the shells, but this was not conveyed by a statistically significant fibroblast adhesion difference. However, fibroblasts adhered better on anatomically shaped textured implants than on smooth implants (p < 0.01). Our work pointed out differences in the Biocell® texture in comparison with older studies. The 3D analysis showed significant shape differences between the anatomically shaped implants of the 3 companies, despite similar dimensions. Implant stiffness was comparable among the 3 brands. Each texture had its specific topography, and this work is the first description of Sebbin anatomic breast implant texturation. Moreover, major discrepancies were found in the analysis of the Biocell® texture when comparing our results with previous reports. These differences may have clinical implications and are discussed. This study also highlighted major shape differences among breast implants from different manufacturers, which is quite counterintuitive. The clinical impact of these differences however needs further investigation. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion: A Comprehensive MRI Study of Over 2000 Subjects.

PubMed

Cury, Claire; Toro, Roberto; Cohen, Fanny; Fischer, Clara; Mhaya, Amel; Samper-González, Jorge; Hasboun, Dominique; Mangin, Jean-François; Banaschewski, Tobias; Bokde, Arun L W; Bromberg, Uli; Buechel, Christian; Cattrell, Anna; Conrod, Patricia; Flor, Herta; Gallinat, Juergen; Garavan, Hugh; Gowland, Penny; Heinz, Andreas; Ittermann, Bernd; Lemaitre, Hervé; Martinot, Jean-Luc; Nees, Frauke; Paillère Martinot, Marie-Laure; Orfanos, Dimitri P; Paus, Tomas; Poustka, Luise; Smolka, Michael N; Walter, Henrik; Whelan, Robert; Frouin, Vincent; Schumann, Gunter; Glaunès, Joan A; Colliot, Olivier

2015-01-01

The incomplete-hippocampal-inversion (IHI), also known as malrotation, is an atypical anatomical pattern of the hippocampus, which has been reported in healthy subjects in different studies. However, extensive characterization of IHI in a large sample has not yet been performed. Furthermore, it is unclear whether IHI are restricted to the medial-temporal lobe or are associated with more extensive anatomical changes. Here, we studied the characteristics of IHI in a community-based sample of 2008 subjects of the IMAGEN database and their association with extra-hippocampal anatomical variations. The presence of IHI was assessed on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using visual criteria. We assessed the association of IHI with other anatomical changes throughout the brain using automatic morphometry of cortical sulci. We found that IHI were much more frequent in the left hippocampus (left: 17%, right: 6%, χ(2)-test, p < 10(-28)). Compared to subjects without IHI, subjects with IHI displayed morphological changes in several sulci located mainly in the limbic lobe. Our results demonstrate that IHI are a common left-sided phenomenon in normal subjects and that they are associated with morphological changes outside the medial temporal lobe.

Incomplete Hippocampal Inversion: A Comprehensive MRI Study of Over 2000 Subjects

PubMed Central

Cury, Claire; Toro, Roberto; Cohen, Fanny; Fischer, Clara; Mhaya, Amel; Samper-González, Jorge; Hasboun, Dominique; Mangin, Jean-François; Banaschewski, Tobias; Bokde, Arun L. W.; Bromberg, Uli; Buechel, Christian; Cattrell, Anna; Conrod, Patricia; Flor, Herta; Gallinat, Juergen; Garavan, Hugh; Gowland, Penny; Heinz, Andreas; Ittermann, Bernd; Lemaitre, Hervé; Martinot, Jean-Luc; Nees, Frauke; Paillère Martinot, Marie-Laure; Orfanos, Dimitri P.; Paus, Tomas; Poustka, Luise; Smolka, Michael N.; Walter, Henrik; Whelan, Robert; Frouin, Vincent; Schumann, Gunter; Glaunès, Joan A.; Colliot, Olivier

2015-01-01

The incomplete-hippocampal-inversion (IHI), also known as malrotation, is an atypical anatomical pattern of the hippocampus, which has been reported in healthy subjects in different studies. However, extensive characterization of IHI in a large sample has not yet been performed. Furthermore, it is unclear whether IHI are restricted to the medial-temporal lobe or are associated with more extensive anatomical changes. Here, we studied the characteristics of IHI in a community-based sample of 2008 subjects of the IMAGEN database and their association with extra-hippocampal anatomical variations. The presence of IHI was assessed on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using visual criteria. We assessed the association of IHI with other anatomical changes throughout the brain using automatic morphometry of cortical sulci. We found that IHI were much more frequent in the left hippocampus (left: 17%, right: 6%, χ2−test, p < 10−28). Compared to subjects without IHI, subjects with IHI displayed morphological changes in several sulci located mainly in the limbic lobe. Our results demonstrate that IHI are a common left-sided phenomenon in normal subjects and that they are associated with morphological changes outside the medial temporal lobe. PMID:26733822

The Influence of Knee Flexion Angle for Graft Fixation on Rotational Knee Stability During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Study.

PubMed

Debandi, Aníbal; Maeyama, Akira; Hoshino, Yuichi; Asai, Shigehiro; Goto, Bunsei; Smolinski, Patrick; Fu, Freddie H

2016-11-01

To evaluate the effect of knee flexion angle for hamstring graft fixation, full extension (FE), or 30°, on acceleration of the knee motion during pivot-shift testing after either anatomic or nonanatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using triaxial accelerometry. Two types of ACL reconstructions (anatomic and nonanatomic) using 2 different angles of knee flexion during graft fixation (FE and 30°) were performed on 12 fresh-frozen human knees making 4 groups: anatomic-FE, anatomic-30°, nonanatomic-FE, and nonanatomic-30°. Manual pivot-shift testing was performed at ACL-intact, ACL-deficient, and ACL-reconstructed conditions. Three-dimensional acceleration of knee motion was recorded using a triaxial accelerometer. The anatomic-30° group showed the smallest overall magnitude of acceleration among the ACL-reconstructed groups (P = .0039). There were no significant differences among the anatomic-FE group, the nonanatomic-FE group, and the nonantomic-30° group (anatomic-FE vs nonanatomic-FE, P = .1093; anatomic-FE vs nonanatomic-30°, P = .8728; and nonanatomic-FE vs nonanatomic-30°, P = .1093). After ACL transection, acceleration was reduced by ACL reconstruction with the exception of the nonanatomic-FE group that did not show a significant difference when compared with the ACL-deficient (P = .4537). The anatomic ACL reconstruction with the graft fixed at 30° of knee flexion better restored rotational knee stability compared with FE. An ACL graft fixed with the knee at FE in anatomic position did not show a significant difference compared with the nonanatomic ACL reconstructions. Knee flexion angle at the time of graft fixation for ACL reconstruction can be considered to maximize the rotational knee stability. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stem Cell Pathology.

PubMed

Fu, Dah-Jiun; Miller, Andrew D; Southard, Teresa L; Flesken-Nikitin, Andrea; Ellenson, Lora H; Nikitin, Alexander Yu

2018-01-24

Rapid advances in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine have opened new opportunities for better understanding disease pathogenesis and the development of new diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment approaches. Many stem cell niches are well defined anatomically, thereby allowing their routine pathological evaluation during disease initiation and progression. Evaluation of the consequences of genetic manipulations in stem cells and investigation of the roles of stem cells in regenerative medicine and pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer require significant expertise in pathology for accurate interpretation of novel findings. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing stem cell pathology as a discipline to facilitate stem cell research and regenerative medicine. This review provides examples of anatomically defined niches suitable for evaluation by diagnostic pathologists, describes neoplastic lesions associated with them, and discusses further directions of stem cell pathology.

Anatomical location of Periglischrus iheringi(Acari: Spinturnicidae) associated with the great fruit-eating bat (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

PubMed

Almeida, Juliana; Serra-Freire, Nicolau; Peracchi, Adriano

2015-01-01

Spinturnicid mites are ectoparasites that infest the wings of bats, and species of the genus Periglischrus Kolenati, 1857 are associated exclusively with bats of the family Phyllostomidae. We tested the hypothesis that a long-term evolutionary association led P. iheringi to choose very specific wing locations to infest the great fruit-eating bats, Artibeus lituratus. Seven anatomical wing regions and the uropatagium from 140 bats were analyzed and a total of 78 parasites were collected. Periglischrus iheringi had a significant preference for the plagiopatagium and dactylopatgium major wing regions (i.e., large, proximal regions) and infestation was directly correlated to area (r=0.9744). However, other factors may also influence mite choice, such as higher and more stable temperature and humidity, vascularization and lower risk of displacement.

A functional-anatomical approach to the spine-pelvis mechanism: interaction between the biceps femoris muscle and the sacrotuberous ligament.

PubMed

van Wingerden, J P; Vleeming, A; Snijders, C J; Stoeckart, R

1993-10-01

Summary. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is often overlooked as a possible cause of low back pain. This is due to the use of reductionistic anatomical models. From a kinematic point of view, topographic anatomical models are generally inadequate since they categorize pelvis, lower vertebral column and legs as distinct entities. This functional-anatomical study focuses on the question whether anatomical connections between the biceps femoris muscle and the sacrotuberous ligament are kinematically useful. Forces applied to the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle, simulating biceps femoris muscle force, were shown to influence sacrotuberous ligament tension. Since sacrotuberous ligament tension influences sacroiliac joint kinematics, hamstring training could influence the sacroiliac joint and thus low back kinematics. The clinical implications with respect to 'short' hamstrings, pelvic instability and walking are discussed.

Anatomic changes due to interspecific grafting in cassava (Manihot esculenta).

PubMed

Bomfim, N; Ribeiro, D G; Nassar, N M A

2011-05-31

Cassava rootstocks of varieties UnB 201 and UnB 122 grafted with scions of Manihot fortalezensis were prepared for anatomic study. The roots were cut, stained with safranin and alcian blue, and examined microscopically, comparing them with sections taken from ungrafted roots. There was a significant decrease in number of pericyclic fibers, vascular vessels and tyloses in rootstocks. They exhibited significant larger vessels. These changes in anatomic structure are a consequence of genetic effects caused by transference of genetic material from scion to rootstock. The same ungrafted species was compared. This is the first report on anatomic changes due to grafting in cassava.

Femoral anatomical frame: assessment of various definitions.

PubMed

Della Croce, U; Camomilla, V; Leardini, A; Cappozzo, A

2003-06-01

The reliability of the estimate of joint kinematic variables and the relevant functional interpretation are affected by the uncertainty with which bony anatomical landmarks and underlying bony segment anatomical frames are determined. When a stereo-photogrammetric system is used for in vivo studies, minimising and compensating for this uncertainty is crucial. This paper deals with the propagation of the errors associated with the location of both internal and palpable femoral anatomical landmarks to the estimation of the orientation of the femoral anatomical frame and to the knee joint angles during movement. Given eight anatomical landmarks, and the precision with which they can be identified experimentally, 12 different rules were defined for the construction of the anatomical frame and submitted to comparative assessment. Results showed that using more than three landmarks allows for more repeatable anatomical frame orientation and knee joint kinematics estimation. Novel rules are proposed that use optimization algorithms. On the average, the femoral frame orientation dispersion had a standard deviation of 2, 2.5 and 1.5 degrees for the frontal, transverse, and sagittal plane, respectively. However, a proper choice of the relevant construction rule allowed for a reduction of these inaccuracies in selected planes to 1 degrees rms. The dispersion of the knee adduction-abduction and internal-external rotation angles could also be limited to 1 degrees rms irrespective of the flexion angle value.

Funding anatomic pathology research: a retrospective analysis of an intramural funding mechanism.

PubMed

McDaniel, Andrew; Fullen, Douglas R; Cho, Kathleen R; Lucas, David R; Giordano, Thomas J; Greenson, Joel; Lieberman, Andrew P; Kunju, Lakshmi P; Myers, Jeffrey L; Roh, Michael H

2013-09-01

In 2006, the department of pathology at our institution established an intramural research funding mechanism to support anatomic pathology research projects for faculty and trainee development. A review committee consisting of faculty members with diverse academic interests evaluated applications; proposals were eligible for a maximum award amount of $30 000 per project with a maximum program cost of $150 000 annually. To report our experience based on a retrospective review of the research proposals submitted to the committee since the inception of the Anatomic Pathology Research Fund and evaluate the outcomes of the funded projects. We retrospectively analyzed all project applications that were received by the committee. Outcome data were collected by reviewing progress reports, abstracts for national and international meetings, PubMed search results, and/or direct communication with investigators. To date, a total of 59 individual projects have been awarded funding, for a total amount of $349 792, with an average award amount of $5381 per project. A total of 26 faculty members have secured funding for projects through this mechanism, and 27 resident and fellow trainees have been engaged in the funded projects. Spanning 11 subspecialty disciplines in anatomic pathology, 32 abstracts (54%) have been presented at national meetings and 26 (44%) have been published in the peer-reviewed literature to date. One project generated data used to secure an extramural (R01) grant. Our funding mechanism could serve as a model used by other academic departments to support research activities, thereby fostering faculty development through scholarly activities.

The Non-Human Primate Experimental Glaucoma Model

PubMed Central

Burgoyne, Claude F.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this report is to summarize the current strengths and weaknesses of the non-human primate (NHP) experimental glaucoma (EG) model through sections devoted to its history, methods, important findings, alternative optic neuropathy models and future directions. NHP EG has become well established for studying human glaucoma in part because the NHP optic nerve head (ONH) shares a close anatomic association with the human ONH and because it provides the only means of systematically studying the very earliest visual system responses to chronic IOP elevation, i.e. the conversion from ocular hypertension to glaucomatous damage. However, NHPs are impractical for studies that require large animal numbers, demonstrate spontaneous glaucoma only rarely, do not currently provide a model of the neuropathy at normal levels of IOP, and cannot easily be genetically manipulated, except through tissue-specific, viral vectors. The goal of this summary is to direct NHP EG and non-NHP EG investigators to the previous, current and future accomplishment of clinically relevant knowledge in this model. PMID:26070984

Changes in the cerebellar and cerebro-cerebellar circuit in type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Fang, Peng; An, Jie; Tan, Xin; Zeng, Ling-Li; Shen, Hui; Qiu, Shijun; Hu, Dewen

2017-04-01

Currently, 422 million adults suffer from diabetes worldwide, leading to tremendous disabilities and a great burden to families and society. Functional and structural MRIs have demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit abnormalities in brain regions in the cerebral cortex. However, the changes of cerebellar anatomical connections in diabetic patients remains unclear. In the current study, diffusion tensor imaging deterministic tractography and statistical analysis were employed to investigate abnormal cerebellar anatomical connections in diabetic patients. This is the first study to investigate the altered cerebellar anatomical connectivity in T2DM patients. Decreased anatomical connections were found in the cerebellar and cerebro-cerebellar circuits of T2DM patients, providing valuable new insights into the potential neuro-pathophysiology of diabetes-related motor and cognitive deficits. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Shoulder instability: impact of glenohumeral arthrotomography on treatment.

PubMed

el-Khoury, G Y; Kathol, M H; Chandler, J B; Albright, J P

1986-09-01

We used arthrotomography to study the glenoid labrum in 114 patients. Sixty-nine of the patients had anatomic instability of the shoulder (including recurrent dislocation and subluxation of the shoulder), and 45 patients had functional instability of the shoulder (denoted by chronic pain, clicking of the joint, and the sensation that an unstable condition exists without the objective signs of it). Labral tears were revealed arthrotomographically in 86% of the patients with anatomic instability, while only 40% of the patients with functional instability had labral abnormalities, and these were primarily of minor severity. Fifty-six patients (44 of whom had anatomic instability; 12, functional instability) required surgery. The surgical findings were correlated with the arthrotomographic findings, and no false-positive results were revealed. However, arthrotomography demonstrated only part of the pathologic condition of two patients. These results confirm that there is a strong correlation between labral pathologic conditions and anatomic instability of the shoulder. Arthrotomographic studies have a great impact on the selection of therapy in cases of both anatomic and functional instability of the shoulder.

Anatomic motor point localization for partial quadriceps block in spasticity.

PubMed

Albert, T; Yelnik, A; Colle, F; Bonan, I; Lassau, J P

2000-03-01

To identify the location of the vastus intermedius nerve and its motor point (point M) and to precisely identify its coordinates in relation to anatomic surface landmarks. Descriptive study. Anatomy institute of a university school of medicine. Twenty-nine adult cadaver limbs immobilized in anatomic position. Anatomic dissection to identify point M. Anatomic surface landmarks were point F, the issuing point of femoral nerve under the inguinal ligament; point R, the middle of superior edge of the patella; segment FR, which corresponds to thigh length; point M', point M orthogonal projection on segment FR. Absolute vertical coordinate, distance FM, relative vertical coordinate compared to the thigh length, FM'/FR ratio; absolute horizontal coordinate, distance MM'. The absolute vertical coordinate was 11.7+/-2 cm. The relative vertical coordinate was at .29+/-.04 of thigh length. The horizontal coordinate was at 2+/-.5 cm lateral to the FR line. Point M can be defined with relative precision by two coordinates. Application and clinical interest of nerve blocking using these coordinates in quadriceps spasticity should be studied.

Anatomical Data for Analyzing Human Motion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plagenhoef, Stanley; And Others

1983-01-01

Anatomical data obtained from cadavers and from water displacement studies with living subjects were used to determine the weight, center of gravity, and radius of gyration for 16 body segments. A lead model was used to study movement patterns of the trunk section of the body. (Authors/PP)

Magnetic resonance imaging of semicircular canals.

PubMed Central

Sbarbati, A; Leclercq, F; Zancanaro, C; Antonakis, K

1992-01-01

The present paper reports the results of the first investigation of the semicircular canals in a living, small animal by means of high spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure is noninvasive and allows identification of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces yielding a morphology quite consistent with direct anatomical examination. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:1506290

Prostatome: A combined anatomical and disease based MRI atlas of the prostate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rusu, Mirabela; Madabhushi, Anant, E-mail: anant.madabhushi@case.edu; Bloch, B. Nicolas

Purpose: In this work, the authors introduce a novel framework, the anatomically constrained registration (AnCoR) scheme and apply it to create a fused anatomic-disease atlas of the prostate which the authors refer to as the prostatome. The prostatome combines a MRI based anatomic and a histology based disease atlas. Statistical imaging atlases allow for the integration of information across multiple scales and imaging modalities into a single canonical representation, in turn enabling a fused anatomical-disease representation which may facilitate the characterization of disease appearance relative to anatomic structures. While statistical atlases have been extensively developed and studied for the brain,more » approaches that have attempted to combine pathology and imaging data for study of prostate pathology are not extant. This works seeks to address this gap. Methods: The AnCoR framework optimizes a scoring function composed of two surface (prostate and central gland) misalignment measures and one intensity-based similarity term. This ensures the correct mapping of anatomic regions into the atlas, even when regional MRI intensities are inconsistent or highly variable between subjects. The framework allows for creation of an anatomic imaging and a disease atlas, while enabling their fusion into the anatomic imaging-disease atlas. The atlas presented here was constructed using 83 subjects with biopsy confirmed cancer who had pre-operative MRI (collected at two institutions) followed by radical prostatectomy. The imaging atlas results from mapping thein vivo MRI into the canonical space, while the anatomic regions serve as domain constraints. Elastic co-registration MRI and corresponding ex vivo histology provides “ground truth” mapping of cancer extent on in vivo imaging for 23 subjects. Results: AnCoR was evaluated relative to alternative construction strategies that use either MRI intensities or the prostate surface alone for registration. The AnCoR framework yielded a central gland Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 90%, and prostate DSC of 88%, while the misalignment of the urethra and verumontanum was found to be 3.45 mm, and 4.73 mm, respectively, which were measured to be significantly smaller compared to the alternative strategies. As might have been anticipated from our limited cohort of biopsy confirmed cancers, the disease atlas showed that most of the tumor extent was limited to the peripheral zone. Moreover, central gland tumors were typically larger in size, possibly because they are only discernible at a much later stage. Conclusions: The authors presented the AnCoR framework to explicitly model anatomic constraints for the construction of a fused anatomic imaging-disease atlas. The framework was applied to constructing a preliminary version of an anatomic-disease atlas of the prostate, the prostatome. The prostatome could facilitate the quantitative characterization of gland morphology and imaging features of prostate cancer. These techniques, may be applied on a large sample size data set to create a fully developed prostatome that could serve as a spatial prior for targeted biopsies by urologists. Additionally, the AnCoR framework could allow for incorporation of complementary imaging and molecular data, thereby enabling their careful correlation for population based radio-omics studies.« less

Tongue and taste organ development in the ontogeny of direct-developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Lissamphibia: Plethodontidae).

PubMed

Budzik, Karolina A; Żuwała, Krystyna; Kerney, Ryan

2016-07-01

The latest research on direct developing caecilian and anuran species indicate presence of only one generation of taste organs during their ontogeny. This is distinct from indirect developing batrachians studied thus far, which possess taste buds in larvae and anatomically distinct taste discs in metamorphs. This study is a description of the tongue and taste organ morphology and development in direct developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Plethodontidae) using histology and electron microscopy techniques. The results reveal two distinct stages tongue morphology (primary and secondary), similar to metamorphic urodeles, although only one stage of taste organ morphology. Taste disc sensory zones emerge on the surface of the oropharyngeal epithelium by the end of embryonic development, which coincides with maturation of the soft tongue. Taste organs occur in the epithelium of the tongue pad (where they are situated on the dermal papillae), the palate and the inner surface of the mandible and the maxilla. Plethodon cinereus embryos only possess taste disc type taste organs. Similar to the direct developing anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui (Eleutherodactylidae), these salamanders do not recapitulate larval taste bud morphology as an embryo. The lack of taste bud formation is probably a broadly distributed feature characteristic to direct developing batrachians. J. Morphol. 277:906-915, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can Asperger syndrome be distinguished from autism? An anatomic likelihood meta-analysis of MRI studies

PubMed Central

Yu, Kevin K.; Cheung, Charlton; Chua, Siew E.; McAlonan, Gráinne M.

2011-01-01

Background The question of whether Asperger syndrome can be distinguished from autism has attracted much debate and may even incur delay in diagnosis and intervention. Accordingly, there has been a proposal for Asperger syndrome to be subsumed under autism in the forthcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, in 2013. One approach to resolve this question has been to adopt the criterion of absence of clinically significant language or cognitive delay — essentially, the “absence of language delay.” To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of people with autism to compare absence with presence of language delay. It capitalizes on the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to systematically explore the whole brain for anatomic correlates of delay and no delay in language acquisition in people with autism spectrum disorders. Methods We conducted a systematic search for VBM MRI studies of grey matter volume in people with autism. Studies with a majority (at least 70%) of participants with autism diagnoses and a history of language delay were assigned to the autism group (n = 151, control n = 190). Those with a majority (at least 70%) of individuals with autism diagnoses and no language delay were assigned to the Asperger syndrome group (n = 149, control n = 214). We entered study coordinates into anatomic likelihood estimation meta-analysis software with sampling size weighting to compare grey matter summary maps driven by Asperger syndrome or autism. Results The summary autism grey matter map showed lower volumes in the cerebellum, right uncus, dorsal hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in the bilateral caudate, prefrontal lobe and ventral temporal lobe. The summary Asperger syndrome map indicated lower grey matter volumes in the bilateral amygdala/hippocampal gyrus and prefrontal lobe, left occipital gyrus, right cerebellum, putamen and precuneus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in more limited regions, including the bilateral inferior parietal lobule and the left fusiform gyrus. Both Asperger syndrome and autism studies reported volume increase in clusters in the ventral temporal lobe of the left hemisphere. Limitations We assigned studies to autism and Asperger syndrome groups for separate analyses of the data and did not carry out a direct statistical group comparison. In addition, studies available for analysis did not capture the entire spectrum, therefore we cannot be certain that our findings apply to a wider population than that sampled. Conclusion Whereas grey matter differences in people with Asperger syndrome compared with controls are sparser than those reported in studies of people with autism, the distribution and direction of differences in each category are distinctive. PMID:21406158

Can Asperger syndrome be distinguished from autism? An anatomic likelihood meta-analysis of MRI studies.

PubMed

Yu, Kevin K; Cheung, Charlton; Chua, Siew E; McAlonan, Gráinne M

2011-11-01

The question of whether Asperger syndrome can be distinguished from autism has attracted much debate and may even incur delay in diagnosis and intervention. Accordingly, there has been a proposal for Asperger syndrome to be subsumed under autism in the forthcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, in 2013. One approach to resolve this question has been to adopt the criterion of absence of clinically significant language or cognitive delay--essentially, the "absence of language delay." To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of people with autism to compare absence with presence of language delay. It capitalizes on the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach to systematically explore the whole brain for anatomic correlates of delay and no delay in language acquisition in people with autism spectrum disorders. We conducted a systematic search for VBM MRI studies of grey matter volume in people with autism. Studies with a majority (at least 70%) of participants with autism diagnoses and a history of language delay were assigned to the autism group (n = 151, control n = 190). Those with a majority (at least 70%) of individuals with autism diagnoses and no language delay were assigned to the Asperger syndrome group (n = 149, control n = 214). We entered study coordinates into anatomic likelihood estimation meta-analysis software with sampling size weighting to compare grey matter summary maps driven by Asperger syndrome or autism. The summary autism grey matter map showed lower volumes in the cerebellum, right uncus, dorsal hippocampus and middle temporal gyrus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in the bilateral caudate, prefrontal lobe and ventral temporal lobe. The summary Asperger syndrome map indicated lower grey matter volumes in the bilateral amygdala/hippocampal gyrus and prefrontal lobe, left occipital gyrus, right cerebellum, putamen and precuneus compared with controls; grey matter volumes were greater in more limited regions, including the bilateral inferior parietal lobule and the left fusiform gyrus. Both Asperger syndrome and autism studies reported volume increase in clusters in the ventral temporal lobe of the left hemisphere. We assigned studies to autism and Asperger syndrome groups for separate analyses of the data and did not carry out a direct statistical group comparison. In addition, studies available for analysis did not capture the entire spectrum, therefore we cannot be certain that our findings apply to a wider population than that sampled. Whereas grey matter differences in people with Asperger syndrome compared with controls are sparser than those reported in studies of people with autism, the distribution and direction of differences in each category are distinctive. © 2011 Canadian Medical Association

Terminology of the tonsils.

PubMed

Casteleyn, C; Simoens, P; Van den Broeck, W

2011-06-01

Many terms used for referring to tonsillar structures are applied in immunological research. However, in many cases, the use of these terms is not in compliance with official veterinary anatomical nomenclature. This is partly attributable to ambiguous descriptions present in conventional anatomical textbooks. This study gives an overview of pertaining controversial terms and promotes the official anatomical terminology applicable to the tonsils, to enhance the unequivocal transfer of knowledge generated during immunological research. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

[Lymphoscintigrams with anatomical landmarks obtained with vector graphics].

PubMed

Rubini, Giuseppe; Antonica, Filippo; Renna, Maria Antonia; Ferrari, Cristina; Iuele, Francesca; Stabile Ianora, Antonio Amato; Losco, Matteo; Niccoli Asabella, Artor

2012-11-01

Nuclear medicine images are difficult to interpret because they do not include anatomical details. The aim of this study was to obtain lymphoscintigrams with anatomical landmarks that could be easily interpreted by General Physicians. Traditional lymphoscintigrams were processed with Adobe© Photoshop® CS6 and converted into vector images created by Illustrator®. The combination with a silhouette vector improved image interpretation, without resulting in longer radiation exposure or acquisition times.

Identification of plant megafossils in Pennsylvanian-age coal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winston, R.B.

1989-01-01

Criteria are provided for identification of certain Pennsylvanian-age plant megafossils directly from coal based on their characteristic anatomical structures as documented from etched polished coal surfaces in comparison with other modes of preservation. Lepidophloios hallii periderm, Diaphorodendron periderm, an Alethopteris pinnule, and a Cordaites leaf were studied in material in continuity with adjacent permineralized peat (carbonate coal-ballas). Calamites wood in attachment to a pitch cast and a Psaronius stem in coal in attachment to a fusinitized Psaronius inner root mantle were studied. Sigillaria was identified in coal by comparison to its structure in permineralized peat. Other plant tissues with characteristic structures were found but could not be attributed to specific plants. ?? 1989.

Neuro-anatomical differences among epileptic and non-epileptic déjà-vu.

PubMed

Labate, Angelo; Cerasa, Antonio; Mumoli, Laura; Ferlazzo, Edoardo; Aguglia, Umberto; Quattrone, Aldo; Gambardella, Antonio

2015-03-01

Dèjà-vù (DV) can occur as a seizure of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and in almost 80% of healthy individuals. The remarkable similarity between epileptic DV and DV in healthy individuals raises the possibility that DV might sometimes be an ictal phenomenon in apparently normal individuals. Thus, we studied a group of healthy subjects versus individuals with benign MTLE (bMTLE) both experiencing DV. 63 individuals with epilepsy patients with bMTLE and 39 healthy controls at Catanzaro University were recruited. Participants completed the Inventory for Déjà Vu (DV) Experiences Assessment (IDEA) test, underwent awake and asleep electroencephalogram, MRI of the brain using a 3T scanner and whole brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM). bMTLE patients with DV and without DV were also matched for the presence of hippocampal sclerosis. Our controls had no history of neurological or psychiatric illness, epilepsy or history of febrile convulsions. Neurological and cognitive examinations were normal. Electroencephalographic procedures were unremarkable in all controls. In bMTLE group, the direct comparison of VBM between individuals with epilepsy with DV versus those without DV revealed abnormal anatomical changes in the left hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus and visual cortex. The VBM of healthy controls with DV showed abnormal anatomical changes only in the left insular cortex. Our VBM results demonstrated different morphologic patterns in individuals with epilepsy and control subjects experiencing DV, involving the memory circuit in bMTLE patients and cerebral regions in the emotional network in healthy controls. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advanced MR Imaging of the Human Nucleus Accumbens--Additional Guiding Tool for Deep Brain Stimulation.

PubMed

Lucas-Neto, Lia; Reimão, Sofia; Oliveira, Edson; Rainha-Campos, Alexandre; Sousa, João; Nunes, Rita G; Gonçalves-Ferreira, António; Campos, Jorge G

2015-07-01

The human nucleus accumbens (Acc) has become a target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in some neuropsychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, even with the most recent advances in neuroimaging it remains difficult to accurately delineate the Acc and closely related subcortical structures, by conventional MRI sequences. It is our purpose to perform a MRI study of the human Acc and to determine whether there are reliable anatomical landmarks that enable the precise location and identification of the nucleus and its core/shell division. For the Acc identification and delineation, based on anatomical landmarks, T1WI, T1IR and STIR 3T-MR images were acquired in 10 healthy volunteers. Additionally, 32-direction DTI was obtained for Acc segmentation. Seed masks for the Acc were generated with FreeSurfer and probabilistic tractography was performed using FSL. The probability of connectivity between the seed voxels and distinct brain areas was determined and subjected to k-means clustering analysis, defining 2 different regions. With conventional T1WI, the Acc borders are better defined through its surrounding anatomical structures. The DTI color-coded vector maps and IR sequences add further detail in the Acc identification and delineation. Additionally, using probabilistic tractography it is possible to segment the Acc into a core and shell division and establish its structural connectivity with different brain areas. Advanced MRI techniques allow in vivo delineation and segmentation of the human Acc and represent an additional guiding tool in the precise and safe target definition for DBS. © 2015 International Neuromodulation Society.

Trace Elemental Imaging of Rare Earth Elements Discriminates Tissues at Microscale in Flat Fossils

PubMed Central

Gueriau, Pierre; Mocuta, Cristian; Dutheil, Didier B.; Cohen, Serge X.; Thiaudière, Dominique; Charbonnier, Sylvain; Clément, Gaël; Bertrand, Loïc

2014-01-01

The interpretation of flattened fossils remains a major challenge due to compression of their complex anatomies during fossilization, making critical anatomical features invisible or hardly discernible. Key features are often hidden under greatly preserved decay prone tissues, or an unpreparable sedimentary matrix. A method offering access to such anatomical features is of paramount interest to resolve taxonomic affinities and to study fossils after a least possible invasive preparation. Unfortunately, the widely-used X-ray micro-computed tomography, for visualizing hidden or internal structures of a broad range of fossils, is generally inapplicable to flattened specimens, due to the very high differential absorbance in distinct directions. Here we show that synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectral raster-scanning coupled to spectral decomposition or a much faster Kullback-Leibler divergence based statistical analysis provides microscale visualization of tissues. We imaged exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Late Cretaceous without needing any prior delicate preparation. The contrasting elemental distributions greatly improved the discrimination of skeletal elements material from both the sedimentary matrix and fossilized soft tissues. Aside content in alkaline earth elements and phosphorus, a critical parameter for tissue discrimination is the distinct amounts of rare earth elements. Local quantification of rare earths may open new avenues for fossil description but also in paleoenvironmental and taphonomical studies. PMID:24489809

Trace elemental imaging of rare earth elements discriminates tissues at microscale in flat fossils.

PubMed

Gueriau, Pierre; Mocuta, Cristian; Dutheil, Didier B; Cohen, Serge X; Thiaudière, Dominique; Charbonnier, Sylvain; Clément, Gaël; Bertrand, Loïc

2014-01-01

The interpretation of flattened fossils remains a major challenge due to compression of their complex anatomies during fossilization, making critical anatomical features invisible or hardly discernible. Key features are often hidden under greatly preserved decay prone tissues, or an unpreparable sedimentary matrix. A method offering access to such anatomical features is of paramount interest to resolve taxonomic affinities and to study fossils after a least possible invasive preparation. Unfortunately, the widely-used X-ray micro-computed tomography, for visualizing hidden or internal structures of a broad range of fossils, is generally inapplicable to flattened specimens, due to the very high differential absorbance in distinct directions. Here we show that synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectral raster-scanning coupled to spectral decomposition or a much faster Kullback-Leibler divergence based statistical analysis provides microscale visualization of tissues. We imaged exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Late Cretaceous without needing any prior delicate preparation. The contrasting elemental distributions greatly improved the discrimination of skeletal elements material from both the sedimentary matrix and fossilized soft tissues. Aside content in alkaline earth elements and phosphorus, a critical parameter for tissue discrimination is the distinct amounts of rare earth elements. Local quantification of rare earths may open new avenues for fossil description but also in paleoenvironmental and taphonomical studies.

HIV Migration Between Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid or Semen Over Time

PubMed Central

Chaillon, Antoine; Gianella, Sara; Wertheim, Joel O.; Richman, Douglas D.; Mehta, Sanjay R.; Smith, David M.

2014-01-01

Previous studies reported associations between neuropathogenesis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compartmentalization in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and between sexual transmission and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) compartmentalization in semen. It remains unclear, however, how compartmentalization dynamics change over time. To address this, we used statistical methods and Bayesian phylogenetic approaches to reconstruct temporal dynamics of HIV migration between blood and CSF and between blood and the male genital tract. We investigated 11 HIV-infected individuals with paired semen and blood samples and 4 individuals with paired CSF and blood samples. Aligned partial HIV env sequences were analyzed by (1) phylogenetic reconstruction, using a Bayesian Markov-chain Monte Carlo approach; (2) evaluation of viral compartmentalization, using tree-based and distance-based methods; and (3) analysis of migration events, using a discrete Bayesian asymmetric phylogeographic approach of diffusion with Markov jump counts estimation. Finally, we evaluated potential correlates of viral gene flow across anatomical compartments. We observed bidirectional replenishment of viral compartments and asynchronous peaks of viral migration from and to blood over time, suggesting that disruption of viral compartment is transient and directionally selected. These findings imply that viral subpopulations in anatomical sites are an active part of the whole viral population and that compartmental reservoirs could have implications in future eradication studies. PMID:24302756

Theoretical analysis of the mechanisms of a gender differentiation in the propensity for orthostatic intolerance after spaceflight

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background A tendency to develop reentry orthostasis after a prolonged exposure to microgravity is a common problem among astronauts. The problem is 5 times more prevalent in female astronauts as compared to their male counterparts. The mechanisms responsible for this gender differentiation are poorly understood despite many detailed and complex investigations directed toward an analysis of the physiologic control systems involved. Methods In this study, a series of computer simulation studies using a mathematical model of cardiovascular functioning were performed to examine the proposed hypothesis that this phenomenon could be explained by basic physical forces acting through the simple common anatomic differences between men and women. In the computer simulations, the circulatory components and hydrostatic gradients of the model were allowed to adapt to the physical constraints of microgravity. After a simulated period of one month, the model was returned to the conditions of earth's gravity and the standard postflight tilt test protocol was performed while the model output depicting the typical vital signs was monitored. Conclusions The analysis demonstrated that a 15% lowering of the longitudinal center of gravity in the anatomic structure of the model was all that was necessary to prevent the physiologic compensatory mechanisms from overcoming the propensity for reentry orthostasis leading to syncope. PMID:20298577

Electrical Wave Propagation in a Minimally Realistic Fiber Architecture Model of the Left Ventricle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xianfeng; Setayeshgar, Sima

2006-03-01

Experimental results indicate a nested, layered geometry for the fiber surfaces of the left ventricle, where fiber directions are approximately aligned in each surface and gradually rotate through the thickness of the ventricle. Numerical and analytical results have highlighted the importance of this rotating anisotropy and its possible destabilizing role on the dynamics of scroll waves in excitable media with application to the heart. Based on the work of Peskin[1] and Peskin and McQueen[2], we present a minimally realistic model of the left ventricle that adequately captures the geometry and anisotropic properties of the heart as a conducting medium while being easily parallelizable, and computationally more tractable than fully realistic anatomical models. Complementary to fully realistic and anatomically-based computational approaches, studies using such a minimal model with the addition of successively realistic features, such as excitation-contraction coupling, should provide unique insight into the basic mechanisms of formation and obliteration of electrical wave instabilities. We describe our construction, implementation and validation of this model. [1] C. S. Peskin, Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics 42, 79 (1989). [2] C. S. Peskin and D. M. McQueen, in Case Studies in Mathematical Modeling: Ecology, Physiology, and Cell Biology, 309(1996)

Anatomical Parameters of tDCS to Modulate the Motor System after Stroke: A Review

PubMed Central

Lefebvre, Stephanie; Liew, Sook-Lei

2017-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method to modulate the local field potential in neural tissue and consequently, cortical excitability. As tDCS is relatively portable, affordable, and accessible, the applications of tDCS to probe brain–behavior connections have rapidly increased in the last 10 years. One of the most promising applications is the use of tDCS to modulate excitability in the motor cortex after stroke and promote motor recovery. However, the results of clinical studies implementing tDCS to modulate motor excitability have been highly variable, with some studies demonstrating that as many as 50% or more of patients fail to show a response to stimulation. Much effort has therefore been dedicated to understand the sources of variability affecting tDCS efficacy. Possible suspects include the placement of the electrodes, task parameters during stimulation, dosing (current amplitude, duration of stimulation, frequency of stimulation), individual states (e.g., anxiety, motivation, attention), and more. In this review, we first briefly review potential sources of variability specific to stroke motor recovery following tDCS. We then examine how the anatomical variability in tDCS placement [e.g., neural target(s) and montages employed] may alter the neuromodulatory effects that tDCS exerts on the post-stroke motor system. PMID:28232816

Evaluation of Dosimetry Check software for IMRT patient-specific quality assurance.

PubMed

Narayanasamy, Ganesh; Zalman, Travis; Ha, Chul S; Papanikolaou, Niko; Stathakis, Sotirios

2015-05-08

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of the Dosimetry Check system for patient-specific IMRT QA. Typical QA methods measure the dose in an array dosimeter surrounded by homogenous medium for which the treatment plan has been recomputed. With the Dosimetry Check system, fluence measurements acquired on a portal dosimeter is applied to the patient's CT scans. Instead of making dose comparisons in a plane, Dosimetry Check system produces isodose lines and dose-volume histograms based on the planning CT images. By exporting the dose distribution from the treatment planning system into the Dosimetry Check system, one is able to make a direct comparison between the calculated dose and the planned dose. The versatility of the software is evaluated with respect to the two IMRT techniques - step and shoot and volumetric arc therapy. The system analyzed measurements made using EPID, PTW seven29, and IBA MatriXX, and an intercomparison study was performed. Plans from patients previously treated at our institution with treated anatomical site on brain, head & neck, liver, lung, and prostate were analyzed using Dosimetry Check system for any anatomical site dependence. We have recommendations and possible precautions that may be necessary to ensure proper QA with the Dosimetry Check system.

[Discussion on the location of acupoints of the spleen meridian of foot-Taiyin in the abdominal region].

PubMed

Sui, Ming-He; Ma, Hui-Fang; Wang, Chao-Yang

2010-10-01

The four acupoints Fushe (SP 13), Fujie (SP 14), Daheng (SP 15) and Fuai (SP 16) (except SP 12 ) of the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin in the abdomen are all 4 cun lateral to the abdominal midline. The origin of "4-cun" distance and the related explanations have not been found in any books including textbooks and related Chinese national standards about acupuncture and moxibustion. In the graphical representations, these 4 acupoints are directly below the nipple, because the nipple is 4 cun from the chest midline. The authors of the present paper don't think that is right, because in locating the acupoint, the nearest body surface anatomical landmarks should be used first as the basis. The abdomen and the chest are two anatomic sites after all, locating the abdominal acupoints with the chest surface landmarks often results in larger deviation, because many people's bodies are not so symmetrical and standard, and the adult abdominal fat difference is very big. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the abdominal acupoints are located by using the abdominal anatomical landmarks, for example, the outer edge of rectus abdominis, the outer edge of abdomen ,etc.

Interactive modeling and simulation of peripheral nerve cords in virtual environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullrich, Sebastian; Frommen, Thorsten; Eckert, Jan; Schütz, Astrid; Liao, Wei; Deserno, Thomas M.; Ntouba, Alexandre; Rossaint, Rolf; Prescher, Andreas; Kuhlen, Torsten

2008-03-01

This paper contributes to modeling, simulation and visualization of peripheral nerve cords. Until now, only sparse datasets of nerve cords can be found. In addition, this data has not yet been used in simulators, because it is only static. To build up a more flexible anatomical structure of peripheral nerve cords, we propose a hierarchical tree data structure where each node represents a nerve branch. The shape of the nerve segments itself is approximated by spline curves. Interactive modeling allows for the creation and editing of control points which are used for branching nerve sections, calculating spline curves and editing spline representations via cross sections. Furthermore, the control points can be attached to different anatomic structures. Through this approach, nerve cords deform in accordance to the movement of the connected structures, e.g., muscles or bones. As a result, we have developed an intuitive modeling system that runs on desktop computers and in immersive environments. It allows anatomical experts to create movable peripheral nerve cords for articulated virtual humanoids. Direct feedback of changes induced by movement or deformation is achieved by visualization in real-time. The techniques and the resulting data are already used for medical simulators.

Biomechanics Simulations Using Cubic Hermite Meshes with Extraordinary Nodes for Isogeometric Cardiac Modeling

PubMed Central

Gonzales, Matthew J.; Sturgeon, Gregory; Segars, W. Paul; McCulloch, Andrew D.

2016-01-01

Cubic Hermite hexahedral finite element meshes have some well-known advantages over linear tetrahedral finite element meshes in biomechanical and anatomic modeling using isogeometric analysis. These include faster convergence rates as well as the ability to easily model rule-based anatomic features such as cardiac fiber directions. However, it is not possible to create closed complex objects with only regular nodes; these objects require the presence of extraordinary nodes (nodes with 3 or >= 5 adjacent elements in 2D) in the mesh. The presence of extraordinary nodes requires new constraints on the derivatives of adjacent elements to maintain continuity. We have developed a new method that uses an ensemble coordinate frame at the nodes and a local-to-global mapping to maintain continuity. In this paper, we make use of this mapping to create cubic Hermite models of the human ventricles and a four-chamber heart. We also extend the methods to the finite element equations to perform biomechanics simulations using these meshes. The new methods are validated using simple test models and applied to anatomically accurate ventricular meshes with valve annuli to simulate complete cardiac cycle simulations. PMID:27182096

A 3D imaging system integrating photoacoustic and fluorescence orthogonal projections for anatomical, functional and molecular assessment of rodent models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brecht, Hans P.; Ivanov, Vassili; Dumani, Diego S.; Emelianov, Stanislav Y.; Anastasio, Mark A.; Ermilov, Sergey A.

2018-03-01

We have developed a preclinical 3D imaging instrument integrating photoacoustic tomography and fluorescence (PAFT) addressing known deficiencies in sensitivity and spatial resolution of the individual imaging components. PAFT is designed for simultaneous acquisition of photoacoustic and fluorescence orthogonal projections at each rotational position of a biological object, enabling direct registration of the two imaging modalities. Orthogonal photoacoustic projections are utilized to reconstruct large (21 cm3 ) volumes showing vascularized anatomical structures and regions of induced optical contrast with spatial resolution exceeding 100 µm. The major advantage of orthogonal fluorescence projections is significant reduction of background noise associated with transmitted or backscattered photons. The fluorescence imaging component of PAFT is used to boost detection sensitivity by providing low-resolution spatial constraint for the fluorescent biomarkers. PAFT performance characteristics were assessed by imaging optical and fluorescent contrast agents in tissue mimicking phantoms and in vivo. The proposed PAFT technology will enable functional and molecular volumetric imaging using fluorescent biomarkers, nanoparticles, and other photosensitive constructs mapped with high fidelity over robust anatomical structures, such as skin, central and peripheral vasculature, and internal organs.

Radial force distribution changes associated with tangential force production in cylindrical grasping, and the importance of anatomical registration.

PubMed

Pataky, Todd C; Slota, Gregory P; Latash, Mark L; Zatsiorsky, Vladimir M

2012-01-10

Radial force (F(r)) distributions describe grip force coordination about a cylindrical object. Recent studies have employed only explicit F(r) tasks, and have not normalized for anatomical variance when considering F(r) distributions. The goals of the present study were (i) to explore F(r) during tangential force production tasks, and (ii) to examine the extent to which anatomical registration (i.e. spatial normalization of anatomically analogous structures) could improve signal detectability in F(r) data. Twelve subjects grasped a vertically oriented cylindrical handle (diameter=6 cm) and matched target upward tangential forces of 10, 20, and 30 N. F(r) data were measured using a flexible pressure mat with an angular resolution of 4.8°, and were registered using piecewise-linear interpolation between five manually identified points-of-interest. Results indicate that F(r) was primarily limited to three contact regions: the distal thumb, the distal fingers, and the fingers' metatacarpal heads, and that, while increases in tangential force caused significant increases in F(r) for these regions, they did not significantly affect the F(r) distribution across the hand. Registration was found to substantially reduce between-subject variability, as indicated by both accentuated F(r) trends, and amplification of the test statistic. These results imply that, while subjects focus F(r) primarily on three anatomical regions during cylindrical grasp, inter-subject anatomical differences introduce a variability that, if not corrected for via registration, may compromise one's ability to draw anatomically relevant conclusions from grasping force data. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuronal metabolomics by ion mobility mass spectrometry: cocaine effects on glucose and selected biogenic amine metabolites in the frontal cortex, striatum, and thalamus of the rat.

PubMed

Kaplan, Kimberly A; Chiu, Veronica M; Lukus, Peter A; Zhang, Xing; Siems, William F; Schenk, James O; Hill, Herbert H

2013-02-01

We report results of studies of global and targeted neuronal metabolomes by ambient pressure ion mobility mass spectrometry. The rat frontal cortex, striatum, and thalamus were sampled from control nontreated rats and those treated with acute cocaine or pargyline. Quantitative evaluations were made by standard additions or isotopic dilution. The mass detection limit was ~100 pmol varying with the analyte. Targeted metabolites of dopamine, serotonin, and glucose followed the rank order of distribution expected between the anatomical areas. Data was evaluated by principal component analysis on 764 common metabolites (identified by m/z and reduced mobility). Differences between anatomical areas and treatment groups were observed for 53 % of these metabolites using principal component analysis. Global and targeted metabolic differences were observed between the three anatomical areas with contralateral differences between some areas. Following drug treatments, global and targeted metabolomes were found to shift relative to controls and still maintained anatomical differences. Pargyline reduced 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid below detection limits, and 5-HIAA varied between anatomical regions. Notable findings were: (1) global metabolomes were different between anatomical areas and were altered by acute cocaine providing a broad but targeted window of discovery for metabolic changes produced by drugs of abuse; (2) quantitative analysis was demonstrated using isotope dilution and standard addition; (3) cocaine changed glucose and biogenic amine metabolism in the anatomical areas tested; and (4) the largest effect of cocaine was on the glycolysis metabolome in the thalamus confirming inferences from previous positron emission tomography studies using 2-deoxyglucose.

SU-G-IeP2-08: Investigation On Signal Detectability in Volumetric Cone Beam CT Images with Anatomical Background

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, M; Baek, J

2016-06-15

Purpose: To investigate the slice direction dependent detectability in cone beam CT images with anatomical background. Methods: We generated 3D anatomical background images using breast anatomy model. To generate 3D breast anatomy, we filtered 3D Gaussian noise with a square root of 1/f{sup 3}, and then assigned the attenuation coefficient of glandular (0.8cm{sup −1}) and adipose (0.46 cm{sup −1}) tissues based on voxel values. Projections were acquired by forward projection, and quantum noise was added to the projection data. The projection data were reconstructed by FDK algorithm. We compared the detectability of a 3 mm spherical signal in the imagemore » reconstructed from four different backprojection Methods: Hanning weighted ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON1), Hanning weighted ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON2), ramp filter with linear interpolation (RECON3), and ramp filter with Fourier interpolation (RECON4), respectively. We computed task SNR of the spherical signal in transverse and longitudinal planes using channelized Hotelling observer with Laguerre-Gauss channels. Results: Transverse plane has similar task SNR values for different backprojection methods, while longitudinal plane has a maximum task SNR value in RECON1. For all backprojection methods, longitudinal plane has higher task SNR than transverse plane. Conclusion: In this work, we investigated detectability for different slice direction in cone beam CT images with anatomical background. Longitudinal plane has a higher task SNR than transverse plane, and backprojection with hanning weighted ramp filter with linear interpolation method (i.e., RECON1) produced the highest task SNR among four different backprojection methods. This research was supported by the MSIP (Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning), Korea, under the IT Consilience Creative Programs(IITP-2015-R0346-15-1008) supervised by the IITP (Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion), Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the MSIP (2015R1C1A1A01052268) and framework of international cooperation program managed by NRF (NRF-2015K2A1A2067635).« less

[Study of Japanese anatomical terms, such as 'sphenoid bone'].

PubMed

Sawai, Tadashi

2008-12-01

Japanese anatomical terms (butterfly-shaped bone) have an interesting history. Galen named a bone (wedge-like). This Greek term was introduced into Latin anatomical texts by transcribing into 'os sphnoides' or translating it as 'os cuneiforme'. Both terms mean equally wedge-like bone. From 16th century on, these two terms prevailed in European anatomical textbooks, but in 18th century some anatomists merged this bone with some kinds of winged creatures and named their wings "Ala major' and 'Ala minor'. In mid-19th century English-Chinese anatomical book, this bone was named (butterfly bone) by a medical missionary Benjamin Hobson. This term was introduced into Japanese textbooks. In Meiji Era both terms were used in Japanese textbooks, and (wedged-like bone). Some anatomists insisted on using because this echoed original Latin term's sense. Eventually, Japanese Associations of Anatomists adopted in 1943.

Interactive anatomical teaching: Integrating radiological anatomy within topographic anatomy.

PubMed

Abed Rabbo, F; Garrigues, F; Lefèvre, C; Seizeur, R

2016-03-01

Hours attributed to teaching anatomy have been reduced in medical curricula through out the world. In consequence, changes in anatomical curriculum as well as in teaching methods are becoming necessary. New methods of teaching are being evaluated. We present in the following paper an example of interactive anatomical teaching associating topographic anatomy with ultrasonographic radiological anatomy. The aim was to explicitly show anatomical structures of the knee and the ankle through dissection and ultrasonography. One cadaver was used as an ultrasonographic model and the other was dissected. Anatomy of the knee and ankle articulations was studied through dissection and ultrasonography. The students were able to simultaneously assimilate both anatomical aspects of radiological and topographic anatomy. They found the teaching very helpful and practical. This body of work provides example of a teaching method combining two important aspects of anatomy to help the students understand both aspects simultaneously. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Anisotropy in the compressive mechanical properties of bovine cortical bone and the mineral and protein constituents.

PubMed

Novitskaya, Ekaterina; Chen, Po-Yu; Lee, Steve; Castro-Ceseña, Ana; Hirata, Gustavo; Lubarda, Vlado A; McKittrick, Joanna

2011-08-01

The mechanical properties of fully demineralized, fully deproteinized and untreated cortical bovine femur bone were investigated by compression testing in three anatomical directions (longitudinal, radial and transverse). The weighted sum of the stress-strain curves of the treated bones was far lower than that of the untreated bone, indicating a strong molecular and/or mechanical interaction between the collagen matrix and the mineral phase. Demineralization and deproteinization of the bone demonstrated that contiguous, stand-alone structures result, showing that bone can be considered an interpenetrating composite material. Structural features of the samples from all groups were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Anisotropic mechanical properties were observed: the radial direction was found to be the strongest for untreated bone, while the longitudinal one was found to be the strongest for deproteinized and demineralized bones. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is the difference in bone microstructure in the radial and longitudinal directions. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stress prompts habit behavior in humans.

PubMed

Schwabe, Lars; Wolf, Oliver T

2009-06-03

Instrumental behavior can be controlled by goal-directed action-outcome and habitual stimulus-response processes that are supported by anatomically distinct brain systems. Based on previous findings showing that stress modulates the interaction of "cognitive" and "habit" memory systems, we asked in the presented study whether stress may coordinate goal-directed and habit processes in instrumental learning. For this purpose, participants were exposed to stress (socially evaluated cold pressor test) or a control condition before they were trained to perform two instrumental actions that were associated with two distinct food outcomes. After training, one of these food outcomes was selectively devalued as subjects were saturated with that food. Next, subjects were presented the two instrumental actions in extinction. Stress before training in the instrumental task rendered participants' behavior insensitive to the change in the value of the food outcomes, that is stress led to habit performance. Moreover, stress reduced subjects' explicit knowledge of the action-outcome contingencies. These results demonstrate for the first time that stress promotes habits at the expense of goal-directed performance in humans.

Tradition or change? Sources of body procurement for the Anatomical Institute of the University of Cologne in the Third Reich.

PubMed

Kaiser, Stephanie

2013-10-01

While it is known that all German anatomical institutes that have been examined made use of the bodies of victims of the National Socialist (NS) regime for teaching and research between 1933 and 1945, detailed investigations on many institutions are still missing. Among these is the anatomical institute of the University of Cologne. This university was the first university to voluntarily self-align with the policies of the new regime and was therefore often called a 'model NS university'. In addition, Cologne was the site of a NS special court and a central place for executions. Based on archival sources, this study investigates the interaction between the anatomical institute of the University of Cologne with the NS authorities and the origin of the body supply for dissection and research. The documents reveal that the institute continued to receive bodies from traditional sources like the public morgue and hospitals, but with the beginning of World War II (WWII) an increasing amount of bodies of victims of the NS regime became available. Thus, the anatomical institute of Cologne collaborated and benefited from the policies of the NS regime, especially during WWII, like all other already explored anatomical institutes in Germany to varying degrees. © 2013 Anatomical Society.

Intraosseous embolotherapy of central arteriovenous malformations in the jaw: long-term experience with 8 cases.

PubMed

Liu, Denggao; Ma, Xuchen; Zhao, Fuyun; Zhang, Jianguo

2009-11-01

To investigate the long-term effects of direct intraosseous histoacryl embolotherapy on central arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the jaw. Eight patients with central AVMs of the jaw (3 in the maxilla and 5 in the mandible) were treated with direct intraosseous histoacryl injection. These AVMs exhibited cystic radiolucency, with (n = 5) or without (n = 3) honeycombed component. On angiography, all the AVMs exhibited a large intraosseous nidus with multiple suppliers and drainages. The intraosseous lesions were percutaneously punctured with an 18- to 20-gauge needle, and NBCA diluted 30% to 40% with iodized oil was injected during venous compression. Postembolic arteriograms showed that all the AVMs were completely or nearly completely devascularized after single or multiple injections at the initial treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 8 years. Two AVMs experienced postembolic curettage and were anatomically cured. Three AVMs were anatomically cured after 1 to 3 sessions of embolotherapy. The other 3 AVMs were clinically cured after 1 (n = 2) to 4 (n = 1) sessions of embolotherapy. There were no procedure-related severe complications. Direct intraosseous glue embolotherapy can be a simple and safe technique for endovascular management of central AVMs in the jaw and is particularly effective in an emergency. Complete reossification of the intraosseous nidus can be anticipated if a complete occlusion is obtained.

Effects of Regularisation Priors and Anatomical Partial Volume Correction on Dynamic PET Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caldeira, Liliana L.; Silva, Nuno da; Scheins, Jürgen J.; Gaens, Michaela E.; Shah, N. Jon

2015-08-01

Dynamic PET provides temporal information about the tracer uptake. However, each PET frame has usually low statistics, resulting in noisy images. Furthermore, PET images suffer from partial volume effects. The goal of this study is to understand the effects of prior regularisation on dynamic PET data and subsequent anatomical partial volume correction. The Median Root Prior (MRP) regularisation method was used in this work during reconstruction. The quantification and noise in image-domain and time-domain (time-activity curves) as well as the impact on parametric images is assessed and compared with Ordinary Poisson Ordered Subset Expectation Maximisation (OP-OSEM) reconstruction with and without Gaussian filter. This study shows the improvement in PET images and time-activity curves (TAC) in terms of noise as well as in the parametric images when using prior regularisation in dynamic PET data. Anatomical partial volume correction improves the TAC and consequently, parametric images. Therefore, the use of MRP with anatomical partial volume correction is of interest for dynamic PET studies.

Can the recovery of lower limb fractures be achieved by use of 3D printing mirror model?

PubMed

Zhang, Wenxi; Ji, Yueping; Wang, Xinming; Liu, Jie; Li, Dong

2017-11-01

The mirror imaging 3D printing model can be used a as a reference for anatomical reduction in unilateral lower limb fractures. However, the premise of using mirror technology is that the bilateral lower limb bones are similar enough. Because one side had a fracture, it was impossible to compare this directly to the other side. Usually, surgeons think that the bilateral bones are symmetrical and use mirror technology without judging their symmetry. In patients with a unilateral lower limb bone fracture, we measured the long axis and short axis of the three selected transverse sections of the bilateral long bone for comparison to judge the symmetry of the bilateral long bones on CT images. Then, we printed a life-size normal mirror image of the long bone that is similar to the affected side. The model was used as a reference for the anatomical reduction of fractures and preoperative practice. Seventy-eight patients with lower limb bone fracture were included in this study. 24 groups of data were generated according to the same level and same axis. There were significant differences between the short axis of the left and right femoral condyle 5cm from the intercondylar keel (p=0.011), and the short axis of the distal tibia 15cm from the ankle dome (p=0.026). There was no significant difference between the left and right sides in the other 22 groups. Of all of the patients in our research, 3 patients decided to forego the surgical treatment and the operation was performed on the model instead, and the lengths of 2 patients showed deviation in actual operations, preventing anatomical reduction. The remaining 73 patients used the pre-bended plates and screws from preoperative practice in the actual operations, and postoperative X-ray examinations showed that the length of the deviation was within the permissible range. The "Comparison of long axis and short axis of three equidistant transverse sections" method makes it easy to judge the symmetry of the bilateral long bones, and prevents the blindness of preoperative planning using the contralateral mirror model directly. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anatomic study of the vascular perfusion of the sternum and its clinical relevance in deep sternal wound infection.

PubMed

Spindler, Nick; Kaatz, Florian; Feja, Christine; Etz, Christian; Mohr, Friedrich-Wilhelm; Bechmann, Ingo; Josten, Christoph; Langer, Stefan; Loeffler, Sabine

2017-01-01

Introduction: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are a rare but devastating complication after median sternotomy. Minor perfusion in bone and soft tissue, especially after recruiting the internal mammary artery for bypass supports the development of wound infection and nonunion of the sternal bone. The aim of the study was the macroscopic and radiological presentation of the vascular system supplying the sternum, in particular the compensating blood supply routes in the event that the internal mammary artery is no longer available after use as a bypass vessel. Method: This anatomic study was carried out on the anterior chest wall of 7 specimens. The thorax plates of 7 specimens were analyzed macroscopically after microsurgical preparation. Different anatomic preparations were produced using different contrast or form-giving substances. Radiological analysis and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed to show alternative, collateral sternal vessel perfusion under estimation of the loss of the internal thoracic artery due to a bypass. Results: The length of the ITA (internal thoracic artery), measured from the beginning of the first rib to the division into the superior epigastric artery and musculophrenic artery, was an average of 16.3 cm. On average, 18.5 branches were delivered from each artery, 10 medially to the sternum supply, and 8 to the intercostal muscle. Conclusion: Our analysis gives an overview of the macroanatomic vessel system supplying the sternal bone, describing especially a common trunk deriving from the ITA and supplying multiple branches and playing an important role in building a collateral circulation of the sternum. For better evaluation, in vivo CT analysis with contrast media should be performed in patients prior to the operation and directly after the use of the double ITA to demonstrate the change in perfusion of the sternum. In the future, preconditioning of the sternum by coiling the deriving branches could become an option, although patient selection has to be improved and further analysis of the topic performed.

Comparison of Pap smear quality with anatomical spatula and convenience (spatula-cytobrush) methods: a single blind clinical trial.

PubMed

Abdali, Khadijeh; Soleimani, Marzieh; Khajehei, Marjan; Tabatabaee, Hamid Reza; Komar, Perikala V; Montazer, Nader Riaz

2010-01-01

The Papanicolaou smear is a standard test for cervical cancer screening; however, the most important challenge is high false negative results. Several factors contribute to this problem and one the most important is inappropriate sampling. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of smears obtained by either an anatomical spatula or a spatula-cyto brush. One hundred married women participated in this single blind clinical trial. After all participants were interviewed, two samples were obtained from each: one with a spatula-cytobrush and another with an anatomical spatula. Slides were prepared and assessed by two pathologists for kappa coefficient analysis. Cell adequacy was 96.1 % in anatomical spatula method and 91.2 % in spatula-cyto brush method (p= 0.016). The rates for endocervical cells and metaplasia cells were 70.6%and 24.5%, respectively, with the anatomical spatula method and 69.6% and 24.5% using a spatula-cytobrush (p<0.001). No one reported pain and the amount of bleeding was 38.2% in both methods (p>0.05). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences regarding infection and inflammatory reactions (p>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, the results of sampling with anatomical spatula were more acceptable and better than those of spatula-cytobrush sampling.

Using GIS for spatial analysis of rectal lesions in the human body.

PubMed

Garb, Jane L; Ganai, Sabha; Skinner, Ric; Boyd, Christopher S; Wait, Richard B

2007-03-15

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been used in a wide variety of applications to integrate data and explore the spatial relationship of geographic features. Traditionally this has referred to features on the surface of the earth. However, it is possible to apply GIS in medicine, at the scale of the human body, to visualize and analyze anatomic and clinical features. In the present study we used GIS to examine the findings of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), a minimally-invasive procedure to locate and remove both benign and cancerous lesions of the rectum. Our purpose was to determine whether anatomic features of the human rectum and clinical findings at the time of surgery could be rendered in a GIS and spatially analyzed for their relationship to clinical outcomes. Maps of rectal topology were developed in two and three dimensions. These maps highlight anatomic features of the rectum and the location of lesions found on TEM. Spatial analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between anatomic location of the lesion and procedural failure. This study demonstrates the feasibility of rendering anatomical locations and clinical events in a GIS and its value in clinical research. This allows the visualization and spatial analysis of clinical and pathologic features, increasing our awareness of the relationship between anatomic features and clinical outcomes as well as enhancing our understanding and management of this disease process.

High-risk human papillomavirus infection involving multiple anatomic sites of the female lower genital tract: a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction-based study.

PubMed

Hui, Yiang; Manna, Pradip; Ou, Joyce J; Kerley, Spencer; Zhang, Cunxian; Sung, C James; Lawrence, W Dwayne; Quddus, M Ruhul

2015-09-01

High-risk human papillomavirus infection usually is seen at one anatomic site in an individual. Rarely, infection at multiple anatomic sites of the female lower genital tract in the same individual is encountered either simultaneously and/or at a later date. The current study identifies the various subtypes of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in these scenarios and analyzes the potential significance of these findings. High-risk human papillomavirus infection involving 22 anatomic sites from 7 individuals was identified after institutional review board approval. Residual paraffin-embedded tissue samples were retrieved, and all 15 high-risk human papillomavirus were identified and viral load quantified using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction-based method. Multiple high-risk human papillomavirus subtypes were identified in 32% of the samples and as many as 5 different subtypes of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in a single anatomic site. In general, each anatomic site has unique combination of viral subtypes, although one individual showed overlapping subtypes in the vagina, cervix, and vulvar samples. Higher viral load and rare subtypes are more frequent in younger patients and in dysplasia compared with carcinoma. Follow-up ranging from 3 to 84 months revealed persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection in 60% of cases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using GIS for spatial analysis of rectal lesions in the human body

PubMed Central

Garb, Jane L; Ganai, Sabha; Skinner, Ric; Boyd, Christopher S; Wait, Richard B

2007-01-01

Background Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been used in a wide variety of applications to integrate data and explore the spatial relationship of geographic features. Traditionally this has referred to features on the surface of the earth. However, it is possible to apply GIS in medicine, at the scale of the human body, to visualize and analyze anatomic and clinical features. In the present study we used GIS to examine the findings of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), a minimally-invasive procedure to locate and remove both benign and cancerous lesions of the rectum. Our purpose was to determine whether anatomic features of the human rectum and clinical findings at the time of surgery could be rendered in a GIS and spatially analyzed for their relationship to clinical outcomes. Results Maps of rectal topology were developed in two and three dimensions. These maps highlight anatomic features of the rectum and the location of lesions found on TEM. Spatial analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between anatomic location of the lesion and procedural failure. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of rendering anatomical locations and clinical events in a GIS and its value in clinical research. This allows the visualization and spatial analysis of clinical and pathologic features, increasing our awareness of the relationship between anatomic features and clinical outcomes as well as enhancing our understanding and management of this disease process. PMID:17362510

[Analysis of anatomical pieces preservation with polyester resin for human anatomy study].

PubMed

de Oliveira, Ítalo Martins; Mindêllo, Marcela Maria Aguiar; Martins, Yasmin de Oliveira; da Silva Filho, Antônio Ribeiro

2013-01-01

To evaluate the use of polyester resin in preserving anatomical specimens for the study of human anatomy. We used 150 anatomical specimens, comprised of unfixed (fresh), fixed in 10% formalin and vascular casts of organs injected with vinyl acetate and polyester resin. The solution used consisted of polyester resin with the diluent styrene monomer and catalyst (peroxol). After embedding in this solution, models in transparent resin were obtained, allowing full observation of structures and conservation of the specimens used. upon evaluation of the specimens, we observed a high degree of transparency, which promoted a complete visualization of structures with perfect preservation of the anatomy. The average time for the completion of the embedding was 48 hours. Only 14 specimens (9.3%) were lost during the preparation. Polyester resin can be used for preserving anatomical specimens for teaching human anatomy in a practical, aesthetic and durable way.

Which Tibial Tray Design Achieves Maximum Coverage and Ideal Rotation: Anatomic, Symmetric, or Asymmetric? An MRI-based study.

PubMed

Stulberg, S David; Goyal, Nitin

2015-10-01

Two goals of tibial tray placement in TKA are to maximize coverage and establish proper rotation. Our purpose was to utilize MRI information obtained as part of PSI planning to determine the impact of tibial tray design on the relationship between coverage and rotation. MR images for 100 consecutive knees were uploaded into PSI software. Preoperative planning software was used to evaluate 3 different tray designs: anatomic, symmetric, and asymmetric. Approximately equally good coverage was achieved with all three trays. However, the anatomic compared to symmetric/asymmetric trays required less malrotation (0.3° vs 3.0/2.4°; P < 0.001), with a higher proportion of cases within 5° of neutral (97% vs 73/77%; P < 0.001). In this study, the anatomic tibia optimized the relationship between coverage and rotation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Anatomically Realistic Full-Head Model on Activation of Cortical Neurons in Subdural Cortical Stimulation—A Computational Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Hyeon; Kim, Donghyeon; Jun, Sung Chan

2016-06-01

Electrical brain stimulation (EBS) is an emerging therapy for the treatment of neurological disorders, and computational modeling studies of EBS have been used to determine the optimal parameters for highly cost-effective electrotherapy. Recent notable growth in computing capability has enabled researchers to consider an anatomically realistic head model that represents the full head and complex geometry of the brain rather than the previous simplified partial head model (extruded slab) that represents only the precentral gyrus. In this work, subdural cortical stimulation (SuCS) was found to offer a better understanding of the differential activation of cortical neurons in the anatomically realistic full-head model than in the simplified partial-head models. We observed that layer 3 pyramidal neurons had comparable stimulation thresholds in both head models, while layer 5 pyramidal neurons showed a notable discrepancy between the models; in particular, layer 5 pyramidal neurons demonstrated asymmetry in the thresholds and action potential initiation sites in the anatomically realistic full-head model. Overall, the anatomically realistic full-head model may offer a better understanding of layer 5 pyramidal neuronal responses. Accordingly, the effects of using the realistic full-head model in SuCS are compelling in computational modeling studies, even though this modeling requires substantially more effort.

Relationship between peripheral insertion site and catheter-related phlebitis in adult hospitalized patients: a systematic review.

PubMed

Comparcini, Dania; Simonetti, Valentina; Blot, Stijn; Tomietto, Marco; Cicolini, Giancarlo

2017-01-01

To explore the relationship between the anatomical site of peripheral venous catheterization and risk of catheter-related phlebitis. Peripheral venous catheterization is frequently associated with phlebitis. Recent guidelines, recommend the use of an upper-extremity site for catheter insertion but no univocal consensus exists on the anatomical site with lower risk of phlebitis. Systematic review. We searched Medline (PubMed) and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) databases until the end of January 2017. We also reviewed the reference lists of retrieved articles and gray literature was excluded. Searches were limited to articles published in English with no restriction imposed to date of publication. The primary outcome was the incidence of phlebitis associated with anatomical site of peripheral catheterization. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies on adult patients who required a peripheral catheter for the administration of medi- cation, intermittent or continuous fluid infusion. Antecubital fossa veins are associated with lower phlebitis rates, while hands veins are the most risky sites to develop phlebitis. There is no consensus regarding vein in forearm. Choosing the right anatomical site to insert a peripheral venous catheter is important to decrease phlebitis rate. Further studies should compare indwelling time in different anatomical sites with phlebitis rate. A more standardized approach in defining and assessing phlebitis among studies is recommended.

An anatomically based protocol for the description of foot segment kinematics during gait.

PubMed

Leardini, A; Benedetti, M G; Catani, F; Simoncini, L; Giannini, S

1999-10-01

To design a technique for the in vivo description of ankle and other foot joint rotations to be applied in routine functional evaluation using non-invasive stereophotogrammetry. Position and orientation of tibia/fibula, calcaneus, mid-foot, 1st metatarsal and hallux segments were tracked during the stance phase of walking in nine asymptomatic subjects. Rigid clusters of reflective markers were used for foot segment pose estimation. Anatomical landmark calibration was applied for the reconstruction of anatomical landmarks. Previous studies have analysed only a limited number of joints or have proposed invasive techniques. Anatomical landmark trajectories were reconstructed in the laboratory frame using data from the anatomical calibration procedure. Anatomical co-ordinate frames were defined using the obtained landmark trajectories. Joint co-ordinate systems were used to calculate corresponding joint rotations in all three anatomical planes. The patterns of the joint rotations were highly repeatable within subjects. Consistent patterns between subjects were also exhibited at most of the joints. The method proposed enables a detailed description of ankle and other foot joint rotations on an anatomical base. Joint rotations can therefore be expressed in the well-established terminology necessary for their clinical interpretation. Functional evaluation of patients affected by foot diseases has recently called for more detailed and non-invasive protocols for the description of foot joint rotations during gait. The proposed method can help clinicians to distinguish between normal and pathological pattern of foot joint rotations, and to quantitatively assess the restoration of normal function after treatment.

[The anatomical basis of the formation of the pedicled bone grafts on the upper extremity].

PubMed

Gaĭvoronskiĭ, I V; Mikitiuk, S I; Gubochkin, N G

2014-01-01

The study of the vascular bed of the upper extremities was performed by the method of anatomical preparation of 24 formalin-fixed cadaver specimens from 5 men and 7 women and by the injection of black latex into the arterial bed of 4 male and 4 female cadavers (16 specimens). The arteries, directly feeding the bones, and the arteries that provide blood supply to the muscles, attached to the bones, were studied. M. pectoralis major, m. pronator teres, m. pronator quadratus, mm. lumbricalis and interosseus were examined. These studies were followed by the experimental surgeries during which bone grafts on vascular pedicle were formed and moved. It was found that the feeding arteries of the bone grafts on musculo-vascular pedicle were: on the clavicula--the branches of a. thoracoacromialis, on the brachium--muscular branches of a. brachialis, on the proximal parts of forearm bones--muscular branches of a. radialis and ulnaris, on the distal parts of forearm bones--the branches of a. interosseous anterior, on the metacarpal bones--the branches of aa. metacarpalis palmaris and dorsalis. The size of the bone transplants is determined by the size of the defect of recipient field and varies from 3 to 8 cm. The displacement of vascularised bone graft can be made over the distance from 4 to 8 cm.

Three-dimensional volume rendering of the ankle based on magnetic resonance images enables the generation of images comparable to real anatomy.

PubMed

Anastasi, Giuseppe; Cutroneo, Giuseppina; Bruschetta, Daniele; Trimarchi, Fabio; Ielitro, Giuseppe; Cammaroto, Simona; Duca, Antonio; Bramanti, Placido; Favaloro, Angelo; Vaccarino, Gianluigi; Milardi, Demetrio

2009-11-01

We have applied high-quality medical imaging techniques to study the structure of the human ankle. Direct volume rendering, using specific algorithms, transforms conventional two-dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance image (MRI) series into 3D volume datasets. This tool allows high-definition visualization of single or multiple structures for diagnostic, research, and teaching purposes. No other image reformatting technique so accurately highlights each anatomic relationship and preserves soft tissue definition. Here, we used this method to study the structure of the human ankle to analyze tendon-bone-muscle relationships. We compared ankle MRI and computerized tomography (CT) images from 17 healthy volunteers, aged 18-30 years (mean 23 years). An additional subject had a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon. The MRI images demonstrated superiority in overall quality of detail compared to the CT images. The MRI series accurately rendered soft tissue and bone in simultaneous image acquisition, whereas CT required several window-reformatting algorithms, with loss of image data quality. We obtained high-quality digital images of the human ankle that were sufficiently accurate for surgical and clinical intervention planning, as well as for teaching human anatomy. Our approach demonstrates that complex anatomical structures such as the ankle, which is rich in articular facets and ligaments, can be easily studied non-invasively using MRI data.

Three-dimensional volume rendering of the ankle based on magnetic resonance images enables the generation of images comparable to real anatomy

PubMed Central

Anastasi, Giuseppe; Cutroneo, Giuseppina; Bruschetta, Daniele; Trimarchi, Fabio; Ielitro, Giuseppe; Cammaroto, Simona; Duca, Antonio; Bramanti, Placido; Favaloro, Angelo; Vaccarino, Gianluigi; Milardi, Demetrio

2009-01-01

We have applied high-quality medical imaging techniques to study the structure of the human ankle. Direct volume rendering, using specific algorithms, transforms conventional two-dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance image (MRI) series into 3D volume datasets. This tool allows high-definition visualization of single or multiple structures for diagnostic, research, and teaching purposes. No other image reformatting technique so accurately highlights each anatomic relationship and preserves soft tissue definition. Here, we used this method to study the structure of the human ankle to analyze tendon–bone–muscle relationships. We compared ankle MRI and computerized tomography (CT) images from 17 healthy volunteers, aged 18–30 years (mean 23 years). An additional subject had a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon. The MRI images demonstrated superiority in overall quality of detail compared to the CT images. The MRI series accurately rendered soft tissue and bone in simultaneous image acquisition, whereas CT required several window-reformatting algorithms, with loss of image data quality. We obtained high-quality digital images of the human ankle that were sufficiently accurate for surgical and clinical intervention planning, as well as for teaching human anatomy. Our approach demonstrates that complex anatomical structures such as the ankle, which is rich in articular facets and ligaments, can be easily studied non-invasively using MRI data. PMID:19678857

Long-term direct visualization of passively transferred fluorophore-conjugated antibodies.

PubMed

Schneider, Jeffrey R; Carias, Ann M; Bastian, Arangaserry R; Cianci, Gianguido C; Kiser, Patrick F; Veazey, Ronald S; Hope, Thomas J

2017-11-01

The use of therapeutic antibodies, delivered by intravenous (IV) instillation, is a rapidly expanding area of biomedical treatment for a variety of conditions. However, little is known about how the antibodies are anatomically distributed following infusion and the underlying mechanism mediating therapeutic antibody distribution to specific anatomical sites remains to be elucidated. Current efforts utilize low resolution and sensitivity methods such as ELISA and indirect labeling imaging techniques, which often leads to high background and difficulty in assessing biodistribution. Here, using the in vivo non-human primate model, we demonstrate that it is possible to utilize the fluorophores Cy5 and Cy3 directly conjugated to antibodies for direct visualization and quantification of passively transferred antibodies in plasma, tissue, and in mucosal secretions. Antibodies were formulated with 1-2 fluorophores per antibody to minimally influence antibody function. Fluorophore conjugated Gamunex-C (pooled human IgG) were tested for binding to protein A, via surface plasmon resonance, and showed similar levels of binding when compared to unlabeled Gamunex-C. In order to assess the effect fluorophore labeling has on turnover and localization, rhesus macaques were IV infused with either labeled or unlabeled Gamunex-C. Plasma, vaginal Weck-Cel fluid, cervicovaginal mucus, and vaginal/rectal tissue biopsies were collected up to 8weeks. Similar turnover and biodistribution was observed between labeled and unlabeled antibodies, showing that the labeling process did not have an obvious deleterious effect on localization or turnover. Cy5 and Cy3 labeled antibodies were readily detected in the same pattern regardless of fluorophore. Tissue distribution was measured in macaque vaginal and rectal biopsies. The labeled antibody in macaque biopsies was found to have similar biodistribution pattern to endogenous antibodies in macaque and human tissues. In the vaginal and rectal mucosa, endogenous and infused antibodies were found primarily within the lamina propria. In the mucosal squamous epithelium of the vaginal vault, significant antibody was also observed in a striated pattern in the superficial, nonviable, stratum corneum. Endogenous antibody distribution in both human and macaque squamous tissues exhibited a similar pattern as seen with the labeled and unlabeled antibodies. This proof-of-principle study reveals that the labeled antibody is stable and physiologically similar relative to endogenous antibody setting the stage for future work to better understand the mechanisms of how antibodies reach unique anatomical sites. Direct visualization of fluorophore-conjugated antibodies following passive infusion can be utilized to assess the kinetics of biodistribution of infused antibodies and may be a useful approach to monitor and predict efficacy of therapeutic antibodies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of large-scale human brain functional and anatomical networks in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Nelson, Brent G; Bassett, Danielle S; Camchong, Jazmin; Bullmore, Edward T; Lim, Kelvin O

2017-01-01

Schizophrenia is a disease with disruptions in thought, emotion, and behavior. The dysconnectivity hypothesis suggests these disruptions are due to aberrant brain connectivity. Many studies have identified connectivity differences but few have been able to unify gray and white matter findings into one model. Here we develop an extension of the Network-Based Statistic (NBS) called NBSm (Multimodal Network-based statistic) to compare functional and anatomical networks in schizophrenia. Structural, resting functional, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 29 chronic patients with schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls. Images were preprocessed, and average time courses were extracted for 90 regions of interest (ROI). Functional connectivity matrices were estimated by pairwise correlations between wavelet coefficients of ROI time series. Following diffusion tractography, anatomical connectivity matrices were estimated by white matter streamline counts between each pair of ROIs. Global and regional strength were calculated for each modality. NBSm was used to find significant overlap between functional and anatomical components that distinguished health from schizophrenia. Global strength was decreased in patients in both functional and anatomical networks. Regional strength was decreased in all regions in functional networks and only one region in anatomical networks. NBSm identified a distinguishing functional component consisting of 46 nodes with 113 links (p < 0.001), a distinguishing anatomical component with 47 nodes and 50 links (p = 0.002), and a distinguishing intermodal component with 26 nodes (p < 0.001). NBSm is a powerful technique for understanding network-based group differences present in both anatomical and functional data. In light of the dysconnectivity hypothesis, these results provide compelling evidence for the presence of significant overlapping anatomical and functional disruption in people with schizophrenia.

The intertarsal joint of the ostrich (Struthio camelus): Anatomical examination and function of passive structures in locomotion

PubMed Central

Schaller, Nina U; Herkner, Bernd; Villa, Rikk; Aerts, Peter

2009-01-01

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest extant biped. Being flightless, it exhibits advanced cursorial abilities primarily evident in its characteristic speed and endurance. In addition to the active musculoskeletal complex, its powerful pelvic limbs incorporate passive structures wherein ligaments interact with joint surfaces, cartilage and other connective tissue in their course of motion. This arrangement may enable energy conservation by providing joint stabilisation, optimised limb segment orientation and automated positioning of ground contact elements independently of direct muscle control. The intertarsal joint is of particular interest considering its position near the mid-point of the extended limb and its exposure to high load during stance with significant inertial forces during swing phase. Functional-anatomical analysis of the dissected isolated joint describes the interaction of ligaments with intertarsal joint contours through the full motion cycle. Manual manipulation identified a passive engage-disengage mechanism (EDM) that establishes joint extension, provides bi-directional resistance prior to a transition point located at 115° and contributes to rapid intertarsal flexion at toe off and full extension prior to touch down. This effect was subsequently quantified by measurement of intertarsal joint moments in prepared anatomical specimens in a neutral horizontal position and axially-loaded vertical position. Correlation with kinematic analyses of walking and running ostriches confirms the contribution of the EDM in vivo. We hypothesise that the passive EDM operates in tandem with a stringently coupled multi-jointed muscle-tendon system to conserve the metabolic cost of locomotion in the ostrich, suggesting that a complete understanding of terrestrial locomotion across extinct and extant taxa must include functional consideration of the ligamentous system. PMID:19538629

SU-E-J-44: Design a Platform and Phantom Model for Photoacoustic Imaging in Combination with CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sick, J; Alsanea, F; Rancilio, N

2014-06-01

Purpose: Our (long-term) objective is to develop a US manipulator that will provide in situ radiation response and image-guided therapy for bladder cancer based on photoacoustic molecular imaging. Methods: A platform was devised to provide a reproducible positional frame of reference for targeting anatomic structure between MDCT and US scans, in lieu of CBCT, and to fuse photoacoustic molecular imaging. US and photoacoustic scans are taken of a patient while in the CT scanner and IRMT. Through co-registration, based on anatomical positions, we identified a common coordinate system to be used in Eclipse. A bladder phantom was constructed to validatemore » anatomical tracking via US and photoacoustic imaging. We tested the platform using phantom model to demonstrate validity once moved from the CT couch to the linear accelerator couch. Results: This platform interlocks with Varian exact couch index points for reproducibility of positioning. Construction from low Z material and sized appropriately to fit in CT/IMRT gantry. Error in conversion from cylindrical coordinates of the manipulator to X, Y, Z coordinates of the treatment couch was less than 1mm. We measured the bladder size in 3 different directions in both Eclipse from the CT and Acuson from US. The error was less than 2mm in all directions. CT and US images were co-registered in MATLAB. Co-registration of photoacoustic images is still being developed. Conclusion: For Linear Accelerators without on board imaging, MV portal images are not a viable option for the localization of soft tissue anatomy. We believe our manipulator provides an alternative using US imaging, which will be examined in an upcoming clinical trial. We plan to examine the value of hypoxia guided treatment through photoacoustic imaging during this trial.« less

[On human morphological studies in New Spain and in Mexico of nineteenth century].

PubMed

de Micheli, Alfredo; Izaguirre-Avila, Raúl

2007-01-01

The renewed anatomical studies reached a culmination in the XVI century allowing the discovery of the pulmonary blood circulation and later of the systemic blood circulation. The XVII century saw the coming of microscopic anatomy and the XVIII witness the systematization of pathological anatomy. These studies will be impelled during following century toward the clinical-anatomical comparison. Regarding to America, the anatomical studies began in New Spain, when the first textbooks of anatomy, surgery and physiology were published. The first anatomy chair was established in 1621 at the Royal and Papal University of Mexico. The teaching of anatomy was modernized, making that more practical, at the Royal School of Surgery, which began to function in 1770. In the Establishment of Medical Sciences, founded in 1833, surgery was incorporated to internal medicine. This fact permitted to unify the anatomical teaching. If on examines the lists of textbooks utilized in the different periods, it comes out that these books belonged with the contemporaneous advances of science. This consideration concerns also the receptional thesis presented to Faculty of Medicine during the XIX century.

Predicting interatrial septum rotation: is the position of the heart or the direction of the coronary sinus reliable?: Implications for interventional electrophysiologists from CT studies.

PubMed

Sun, Huan; Wang, Yanjing; Zhang, Zhenming; Liu, Lin; Yang, Ping

2015-04-01

Determining the location of the interatrial septum (IAS) is crucial for cardiac electrophysiology procedures. Empirical methods of predicting IAS orientation depend on anatomical landmarks, including determining it from the direction of the coronary sinus (CS) and the position of the heart (e.g., vertical or transverse). However, the reliability of these methods for predicting IAS rotation warrants further study. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of the relationship between IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position. Data from 115 patients undergoing coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography with no evidence of cardiac structural disease were collected and analyzed. Angulations describing IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position were measured. The relationships between IAS orientation and each of the other two parameters were subsequently analyzed. The mean angulations for IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position were 36.8 ± 7.3° (range 19.1-53.6), 37.7 ± 6.6° (range 21.3-50.1), and 37.1 ± 8.3° (range 19.2-61.0), respectively. We found a significant correlation between IAS orientation and CS direction (r = 0.928; P < 0.01), and the linear regression equation was drawn: IAS orientation = 2.01 + 1.03 × CS direction (r(2) = 0.86). No correlation was observed between IAS orientation and heart position (P = 0.86). In patients without structural heart disease, CS direction may be a reliable predictor of IAS orientation, and may serve as a helpful reference for clinicians during invasive electrophysiological procedures. Further study is warranted to clarify the relationship between IAS orientation and heart position. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Interaction between dorsal and ventral processing streams: where, when and how?

PubMed

Cloutman, Lauren L

2013-11-01

The execution of complex visual, auditory, and linguistic behaviors requires a dynamic interplay between spatial ('where/how') and non-spatial ('what') information processed along the dorsal and ventral processing streams. However, while it is acknowledged that there must be some degree of interaction between the two processing networks, how they interact, both anatomically and functionally, is a question which remains little explored. The current review examines the anatomical, temporal, and behavioral evidence regarding three potential models of dual stream interaction: (1) computations along the two pathways proceed independently and in parallel, reintegrating within shared target brain regions; (2) processing along the separate pathways is modulated by the existence of recurrent feedback loops; and (3) information is transferred directly between the two pathways at multiple stages and locations along their trajectories. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of Respiratory Frequency by Peptidergic Input to Rhythmogenic Neurons in the PreBötzinger Complex

PubMed Central

Gray, Paul A.; Rekling, Jens C.; Bocchiaro, Christopher M.; Feldman, Jack L.

2010-01-01

Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and μ-opioid receptor (μOR) agonists affected respiratory rhythm when injected directly into the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), the hypothesized site for respiratory rhythmogenesis in mammals. These effects were mediated by actions on preBötC rhythmogenic neurons. The distribution of NK1R+ neurons anatomically defined the preBötC. Type 1 neurons in the preBötC, which have rhythmogenic properties, expressed both NK1Rs and μORs, whereas type 2 neurons expressed only NK1Rs. These findings suggest that the preBötC is a definable anatomic structure with unique physiological function and that a subpopulation of neurons expressing both NK1Rs and μORs generate respiratory rhythm and modulate respiratory frequency. PMID:10567264

Atlas-based segmentation of 3D cerebral structures with competitive level sets and fuzzy control.

PubMed

Ciofolo, Cybèle; Barillot, Christian

2009-06-01

We propose a novel approach for the simultaneous segmentation of multiple structures with competitive level sets driven by fuzzy control. To this end, several contours evolve simultaneously toward previously defined anatomical targets. A fuzzy decision system combines the a priori knowledge provided by an anatomical atlas with the intensity distribution of the image and the relative position of the contours. This combination automatically determines the directional term of the evolution equation of each level set. This leads to a local expansion or contraction of the contours, in order to match the boundaries of their respective targets. Two applications are presented: the segmentation of the brain hemispheres and the cerebellum, and the segmentation of deep internal structures. Experimental results on real magnetic resonance (MR) images are presented, quantitatively assessed and discussed.

[ADVANCES IN ANATOMICAL REPAIR OF CHRONIC LATERAL ANKLE INSTABILITY].

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Liang, Xiaojun

2016-12-08

To summarize the current status and progress of the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The literature about the anatomical repair of CLAI at home and abroad was reviewed and summarized. Broström and its modified operations are the most common surgical treatment of CLAI. The operations showed satisfactory clinical outcomes in the short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up and low complication rate. Suture anchor technique and arthroscopic techniques are gradually used in Broström and its modified operations with satisfactory short-term effectiveness, but long-term effectiveness needs further observation because of the limitation of the short clinical application time. Broström and its modified operations are effective, convenient, and safe to treat CLAI. Based on the researches of biomechanics and dynamic anatomy, the more personalized design of the rehabilitation program is the further research direction.

[An interactive three-dimensional model of the human body].

PubMed

Liem, S L

2009-01-01

Driven by advanced computer technology, it is now possible to show the human anatomy on a computer. On the internet, the Visible Body programme makes it possible to navigate in all directions through the anatomical structures of the human body, using mouse and keyboard. Visible Body is a wonderful tool to give insight in the human structures, body functions and organs.

MRI evaluation of the levator ani muscle: anatomic correlations and practical applications.

PubMed

Plattner, V; Leborgne, J; Heloury, Y; Cohen, J Y; Rogez, J M; Lehur, P A; Robert, R

1991-01-01

A comparative study of serial anatomic sections in the transverse, frontal and sagittal planes with corresponding MRI sections of the pelvis allowed the authors to define the most suitable sectional planes and MRI modes for a morphologic study of the levator ani muscle. This study shows the value of MRI examination in the assessment of anorectal malformations.

The ligaments of the canine hip joint revisited.

PubMed

Casteleyn, C; den Ouden, I; Coopman, F; Verhoeven, G; Van Cruchten, S; Van Ginneken, C; Van Ryssen, B; Simoens, P

2015-12-01

Numerous conventional anatomical textbooks describe the canine hip joint, but many contradictions, in particular regarding the ligament of the femoral head, are present. This paper presents a brief overview of the different literature descriptions. These are compared with own observations that have resulted in a revised description of the anatomy of the ligament of the femoral head in the dog. To this purpose, the hip joints of 41 dogs, euthanized for reasons not related to this study and devoid of lesions related to hip joint pathology, were examined. It was observed that the ligament of the femoral head is not a single structure that attaches only to the acetabular fossa, as generally accepted, but it also connects to the transverse acetabular ligament and is complemented by a strong accessory ligament that courses in caudal direction to attach in the elongation of the acetabular notch that extends on the cranioventral surface of the body of the ischium. The description of this accessory ligament in conventional anatomical handbooks is incomplete. This description of the accessory ligament of the femoral head could support the research unravelling the etiopathogenesis of hip instability. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Multi-region statistical shape model for cochlear implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romera, Jordi; Kjer, H. Martin; Piella, Gemma; Ceresa, Mario; González Ballester, Miguel A.

2016-03-01

Statistical shape models are commonly used to analyze the variability between similar anatomical structures and their use is established as a tool for analysis and segmentation of medical images. However, using a global model to capture the variability of complex structures is not enough to achieve the best results. The complexity of a proper global model increases even more when the amount of data available is limited to a small number of datasets. Typically, the anatomical variability between structures is associated to the variability of their physiological regions. In this paper, a complete pipeline is proposed for building a multi-region statistical shape model to study the entire variability from locally identified physiological regions of the inner ear. The proposed model, which is based on an extension of the Point Distribution Model (PDM), is built for a training set of 17 high-resolution images (24.5 μm voxels) of the inner ear. The model is evaluated according to its generalization ability and specificity. The results are compared with the ones of a global model built directly using the standard PDM approach. The evaluation results suggest that better accuracy can be achieved using a regional modeling of the inner ear.

Computer image-guided surgery for total maxillectomy.

PubMed

Homma, Akihiro; Saheki, Masahiko; Suzuki, Fumiyuki; Fukuda, Satoshi

2008-12-01

In total maxillectomy, the entire upper jaw including the tumor is removed en bloc from the facial skeleton. An intraoperative computed tomographic guidance system (ICTGS) can improve orientation during surgical procedures. However, its efficacy in head and neck surgery remains controversial. This study evaluated the use of an ICTGS in total maxillectomy. Five patients with maxillary sinus neoplasms underwent surgery using a StealthStation ICTGS. The headset was used for anatomic registration during the preoperative CT scan and surgical procedure. The average accuracy was 0.95 mm. The ICTGS provided satisfactory accuracy until the end of resection in all cases, and helped the surgeon to confirm the anatomical location and decide upon the extent of removal in real time. It was particularly useful when the zygoma, maxillary frontal process, orbital floor, and pterygoid process were divided. All patients remained alive and disease free during short-term follow-up. The ICTGS played a supplementary role in total maxillectomy, helping the surgeon to recognize target points accurately in real time, to determine the minimum accurate bone-resection line, and to use the most direct route to reach the lesion. It could also reduce the extent of the skin incision and removal, thus maintaining oncological safety.

Foramen ovale puncture, lesioning accuracy, and avoiding complications: microsurgical anatomy study with clinical implications.

PubMed

Peris-Celda, Maria; Graziano, Francesca; Russo, Vittorio; Mericle, Robert A; Ulm, Arthur J

2013-11-01

Foramen ovale (FO) puncture allows for trigeminal neuralgia treatment, FO electrode placement, and selected biopsy studies. The goals of this study were to demonstrate the anatomical basis of complications related to FO puncture, and provide anatomical landmarks for improvement of safety, selective lesioning of the trigeminal nerve (TN), and optimal placement of electrodes. Both sides of 50 dry skulls were studied to obtain the distances from the FO to relevant cranial base references. A total of 36 sides from 18 formalin-fixed specimens were dissected for Meckel cave and TN measurements. The best radiographic projection for FO visualization was assessed in 40 skulls, and the optimal trajectory angles, insertion depths, and topographies of the lesions were evaluated in 17 specimens. In addition, the differences in postoperative pain relief after the radiofrequency procedure among different branches of the TN were statistically assessed in 49 patients to determine if there was any TN branch less efficiently targeted. Most severe complications during FO puncture are related to incorrect needle placement intracranially or extracranially. The needle should be inserted 25 mm lateral to the oral commissure, forming an approximately 45° angle with the hard palate in the lateral radiographic view, directed 20° medially in the anteroposterior view. Once the needle reaches the FO, it can be advanced by 20 mm, on average, up to the petrous ridge. If the needle/radiofrequency electrode tip remains more than 18 mm away from the midline, injury to the cavernous carotid artery is minimized. Anatomically there is less potential for complications when the needle/radiofrequency electrode is advanced no more than 2 mm away from the clival line in the lateral view, when the needle pierces the medial part of the FO toward the medial part of the trigeminal impression in the petrous ridge, and no more than 4 mm in the lateral part. The 40°/45° inferior transfacial-20° oblique radiographic projection visualized 96.2% of the FOs in dry skulls, and the remainder were not visualized in any other projection of the radiograph. Patients with V1 involvement experienced postoperative pain more frequently than did patients with V2 or V3 involvement. Anatomical targeting of V1 in specimens was more efficiently achieved by inserting the needle in the medial third of the FO; for V2 targeting, in the middle of the FO; and for V3 targeting, in the lateral third of the FO. Knowledge of the extracranial and intracranial anatomical relationships of the FO is essential to understanding and avoiding complications during FO puncture. These data suggest that better radiographic visualization of the FO can improve lesioning accuracy depending on the part of the FO to be punctured. The angles and safety distances obtained may help the neurosurgeon minimize complications during FO puncture and TN lesioning.

Validation of cone-beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the porcine spine: a comparative study with multidetector computed tomography and anatomical specimens.

PubMed

de Freitas, Ricardo Miguel Costa; Andrade, Celi Santos; Caldas, José Guilherme Mendes Pereira; Kanas, Alexandre Fligelman; Cabral, Richard Halti; Tsunemi, Miriam Harumi; Rodríguez, Hernán Joel Cervantes; Rabbani, Said Rahnamaye

2015-05-01

New spinal interventions or implants have been tested on ex vivo or in vivo porcine spines, as they are readily available and have been accepted as a comparable model to human cadaver spines. Imaging-guided interventional procedures of the spine are mostly based on fluoroscopy or, still, on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also available methods to guide interventional procedures. Although some MDCT data from porcine spines are available in the literature, validation of the measurements on CBCT and MRI is lacking. To describe and compare the anatomical measurements accomplished with MDCT, CBCT, and MRI of lumbar porcine spines to determine if CBCT and MRI are also useful methods for experimental studies. An experimental descriptive-comparative study. Sixteen anatomical measurements of an individual vertebra from six lumbar porcine spines (n=36 vertebrae) were compared with their MDCT, CBCT, and MRI equivalents. Comparisons were made for the absolute values of the parameters. Similarities were found in all imaging methods. Significant correlation (p<.05) was observed with all variables except those that included cartilaginous tissue from the end plates when the anatomical study was compared with the imaging methods. The CBCT and MRI provided imaging measurements of the lumbar porcine spines that were similar to the anatomical and MDCT data, and they can be useful for specific experimental research studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An examination of Aikido's Fourth Teaching: an anatomical study of the tissues of the forearm.

PubMed

Olson, G D; Seitz, F C

1990-12-01

One of the basic teachings of Aikido is known as Yonkyo (Fourth Teaching) or Tekubi-Osae (Wrist Securing). According to some Aikido master teachers, Yonkyo is designed to attack the opponent's weak points. This investigation focused on examining this teaching with the purpose of describing the anatomical tissues involved in the etiology of pain when this teaching is applied precisely. Particular focus was placed on the anatomical locations/sources of pain associated with the application of this teaching.

Anatomy and histology of the newly discovered adipose sac structure within the labia majora: international original research.

PubMed

Ostrzenski, Adam; Krajewski, Pawel; Davis, Kern

2016-09-01

To determine whether there is any new anatomical structure present within the labia majora. A case serial study was executed on eleven consecutive fresh human female cadavers. Stratum-by-stratum dissections of the labia majora were performed. Twenty-two anatomic dissections of labia majora were completed. Eosin and Hematoxylin agents were used to stain newly discovered adipose sac's tissues of the labia majora and the cylinder-like structures, which cover condensed adipose tissues. The histology of these two structures was compared. All dissected labia majora demonstrated the presence of the anatomic existence of the adipose sac structure. Just under the dermis of the labia majora, the adipose sac was located, which was filled with lobules containing condensed fatty tissues in the form of cylinders. The histological investigation established that the well-organized fibro-connective-adipose tissues represented the adipose sac. The absence of descriptions of the adipose sac within the labia majora in traditional anatomic and gynecologic textbooks was noted. In this study group, the newly discovered adipose sac is consistently present within the anatomical structure of the labia majora. The well-organized fibro-connective-adipose tissue represents microscopic characteristic features of the adipose sac.

Effects of anatomical position on esophageal transit time: A biomagnetic diagnostic technique

PubMed Central

Cordova-Fraga, Teodoro; Sosa, Modesto; Wiechers, Carlos; la Roca-Chiapas, Jose Maria De; Moreles, Alejandro Maldonado; Bernal-Alvarado, Jesus; Huerta-Franco, Raquel

2008-01-01

AIM: To study the esophageal transit time (ETT) and compare its mean value among three anatomical inclinations of the body; and to analyze the correlation of ETT to body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A biomagnetic technique was implemented to perform this study: (1) The transit time of a magnetic marker (MM) through the esophagus was measured using two fluxgate sensors placed over the chest of 14 healthy subjects; (2) the ETT was assessed in three anatomical positions (at upright, fowler, and supine positions; 90º, 45º and 0º, respectively). RESULTS: ANOVA and Tuckey post-hoc tests demonstrated significant differences between ETT mean of the different positions. The ETT means were 5.2 ± 1.1 s, 6.1 ± 1.5 s, and 23.6 ± 9.2 s for 90º, 45º and 0º, respectively. Pearson correlation results were r = -0.716 and P < 0.001 by subjects’ anatomical position, and r = -0.024 and P > 0.05 according the subject’s BMI. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that using this biomagnetic technique, it is possible to measure the ETT and the effects of the anatomical position on the ETT. PMID:18837088

Anatomic Relationship Between Right Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Cervical Fascia and Its Application Significance in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgical Approach.

PubMed

Shan, Jianlin; Jiang, Heng; Ren, Dajiang; Wang, Chongwei

2017-04-15

An anatomic study of anterior cervical dissection of 42 embalmed cadavers. The aim was to study the anatomic relationship between recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and cervical fascia combined with the requirements in anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). There has been no systematic research about how to avoid RLN injury in anterior cervical spine surgical approach from the aspect of the anatomic relationship between RLN and cervical fascia. Forty-two adult cadavers were dissected to observe the relationships between RLN and different cervical fascia layers. RLN pierced out the alar fascia from the inner edge of the carotid sheath in all cases, and the piercing position in 22 cases (52.4%) was located at the lower segment of T1. The enter point into visceral fascia of RLN was located at C7-T1 in 25 cases (59.5%). The middle layer of deep cervical fascia exhibited the most stable anatomic relationship with RLN at the carotid sheath confluence site. Pulling visceral sheath leftwards would significantly increase the RLN tension. Using the close and stable relationship between RLN and cervical fascia could help to avoid RLN injury in anterior cervical spine surgical approach. 4.

Deep Brain Stimulation of Heschl Gyrus: Implantation Technique, Intraoperative Localization, and Effects of Stimulation.

PubMed

Donovan, Chris; Sweet, Jennifer; Eccher, Matthew; Megerian, Cliff; Semaan, Maroun; Murray, Gail; Miller, Jonathan

2015-12-01

Tinnitus is a source of considerable morbidity, and neuromodulation has been shown to be a potential treatment option. However, the location of the primary auditory cortex within Heschl gyrus in the temporal operculum presents challenges for targeting and electrode implantation. To determine whether anatomic targeting with intraoperative verification using evoked potentials can be used to implant electrodes directly into the Heschl gyrus (HG). Nine patients undergoing stereo-electroencephalogram evaluation for epilepsy were enrolled. HG was directly targeted on volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, and framed stereotaxy was used to implant an electrode parallel to the axis of the gyrus by using an oblique anterolateral-posteromedial trajectory. Intraoperative evoked potentials from auditory stimuli were recorded from multiple electrode contacts. Postoperatively, stimulation of each electrode was performed and participants were asked to describe the percept. Audiometric analysis was performed for 2 participants during subthreshold stimulation. Sounds presented to the contralateral and ipsilateral ears produced evoked potentials in HG electrodes in all participants intraoperatively. Stimulation produced a reproducible sensation of sound in all participants with perceived volume proportional to amplitude. Four participants reported distinct sounds when different electrodes were stimulated, with more medial contacts producing tones perceived as higher in pitch. Stimulation was not associated with adverse audiometric effects. There were no complications of electrode implantation. Direct anatomic targeting with physiological verification can be used to implant electrodes directly into primary auditory cortex. If deep brain stimulation proves effective for intractable tinnitus, this technique may be useful to assist with electrode implantation. DBS, deep brain stimulatorEEG, electroencephalographyHG, Heschl gyrus.

[Application of polyguanidine solution for fixation of biological and anatomical specimens].

PubMed

Anichkov, N M; Danilova, I A; Riabinin, I A; Kipenko, A V

2010-01-01

A new method for fixation of biological material is described, and its effectiveness is compared to that one of formalin fixation. As an embalming agent, polyhexamethylenguanidine (PHMG) hydrochloride was used. Using the proposed method of fixation, the anatomical and histological preparations of human organs and of chick embryos at developmental 12 days, were produced. The anatomical preparations obtained show the appearance, similar to that of the recently removed organs. Histological preparations were free from significant distortions of the microscopic characteristics of the specimens, which are typical to the material fixed with formalin. The results of the study suggest the possibility of PHMG application in the morphological studies.

Clinical and Radiographic Mid-Term Outcomes After Total Shoulder Replacement: A Retrospective Study Protocol Including 400 Anatomical and Reverse Prosthetic Implants

PubMed Central

Merolla, Giovanni; Tartarone, Antonio; Porcellini, Giuseppe

2016-01-01

Objectives: To obtain outcomes data on anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by analysis of clinical scores and standard radiographs. Subject selection and enrollment: 400 consecutive series of patients replaced with anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (minimum 3 years follow-up). Study Design: retrospective monocenter. Preoperative assessment: Demographics, clinical scores (Constant-Murley) as available, shoulder X-ray (AP, outlet and axillary views) . Last follow-up: Postoperative radiographhs and clinical scores. Adverse events and complications to be reported as occurred since implantation. Statistical analysis: Data collected will be summarized and analyzed for statistical significance. PMID:27326389

Levator hiatal area as a risk factor for cystocele recurrence after surgery: a prospective study.

PubMed

Vergeldt, T F M; Notten, K J B; Weemhoff, M; van Kuijk, S M J; Mulder, F E M; Beets-Tan, R G; Vliegen, R F A; Gondrie, E T C M; Bergmans, M G M; Roovers, J P W R; Kluivers, K B

2015-07-01

To investigate whether increased levator hiatal area, measured preoperatively, was independently associated with anatom-ical cystocele recurrence 12 months after anterior colporrhaphy. Multicentre prospective cohort study. Nine teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Women planned for conventional anterior colporrhaphy without mesh. Women underwent physical examination, translabial three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery. At 12 months after surgery the physical examination was repeated. Women with and without anatomical cystocele recurrence were compared to assess the association with levator hiatal area on 3D ultrasound, levator hiatal area on MRI, and potential confounding factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created to quantify the discriminative ability of using levator hiatal area to predict anatomical cystocele recurrence. Of 139 included women, 76 (54.7%) had anatomical cystocele recurrence. Preoperative stage 3 or 4 and increased levator hiatal area during Valsalva on ultrasound were significantly associated with cystocele recurrence, with odds ratios of 3.47 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.66-7.28) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.11) respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.60 (95% CI 0.51-0.70) for levator hiatal area during Valsalva on ultrasound, and 0.65 (95% CI 0.55-0.71) for preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage. Increased levator hiatal area during Valsalva on ultrasound prior to surgery and preoperative stage 3 or 4 are independent risk factors for anatomical cystocele recurrence after anterior colporrhaphy; however, increased levator hiatal area as the sole factor for predicting anatomical cystocele recurrence after surgery shows poor test characteristics. © 2015 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Multivariate pattern analysis reveals anatomical connectivity differences between the left and right mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Fang, Peng; An, Jie; Zeng, Ling-Li; Shen, Hui; Chen, Fanglin; Wang, Wensheng; Qiu, Shijun; Hu, Dewen

2015-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated differences of clinical signs and functional brain network organizations between the left and right mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), but the anatomical connectivity differences underlying functional variance between the left and right mTLE remain uncharacterized. We examined 43 (22 left, 21 right) mTLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis and 39 healthy controls using diffusion tensor imaging. After the whole-brain anatomical networks were constructed for each subject, multivariate pattern analysis was applied to classify the left mTLE from the right mTLE and extract the anatomical connectivity differences between the left and right mTLE patients. The classification results reveal 93.0% accuracy for the left mTLE versus the right mTLE, 93.4% accuracy for the left mTLE versus controls and 90.0% accuracy for the right mTLE versus controls. Compared with the right mTLE, the left mTLE exhibited a different connectivity pattern in the cortical-limbic network and cerebellum. The majority of the most discriminating anatomical connections were located within or across the cortical-limbic network and cerebellum, thereby indicating that these disease-related anatomical network alterations may give rise to a portion of the complex of emotional and memory deficit between the left and right mTLE. Moreover, the orbitofrontal gyrus, cingulate cortex, hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, which exhibit high discriminative power in classification, may play critical roles in the pathophysiology of mTLE. The current study demonstrated that anatomical connectivity differences between the left mTLE and the right mTLE may have the potential to serve as a neuroimaging biomarker to guide personalized diagnosis of the left and right mTLE.

Normal feline brain: clinical anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Mogicato, G; Conchou, F; Layssol-Lamour, C; Raharison, F; Sautet, J

2012-04-01

The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical anatomy atlas of the feline brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brains of twelve normal cats were imaged using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance unit and an inversion/recovery sequence (T1). Fourteen relevant MRI sections were chosen in transverse, dorsal, median and sagittal planes. Anatomic structures were identified and labelled using anatomical texts and Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, sectioned specimen heads, and previously published articles. The MRI sections were stained according to the major embryological and anatomical subdivisions of the brain. The relevant anatomical structures seen on MRI will assist clinicians to better understand MR images and to relate this neuro-anatomy to clinical signs. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING TRACTOGRAPHY-BASED PARCELLATION OF THE HUMAN PARIETAL CORTEX AND COMPARISON WITH HUMAN AND MACAQUE RESTING STATE FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY

PubMed Central

Mars, Rogier B.; Jbabdi, Saad; Sallet, Jérôme; O’Reilly, Jill X.; Croxson, Paula L.; Olivier, Etienne; Noonan, MaryAnn P.; Bergmann, Caroline; Mitchell, Anna S.; Baxter, Mark G.; Behrens, Timothy E.J.; Johansen-Berg, Heidi; Tomassini, Valentina; Miller, Karla L.; Rushworth, Matthew F.S.

2011-01-01

Despite the prominence of parietal activity in human neuromaging investigations of sensorimotor and cognitive processes there remains uncertainty about basic aspects of parietal cortical anatomical organization. Descriptions of human parietal cortex draw heavily on anatomical schemes developed in other primate species but the validity of such comparisons has been questioned by claims that there are fundamental differences between the parietal cortex in humans and other primates. A scheme is presented for parcellation of human lateral parietal cortex into component regions on the basis of anatomical connectivity and the functional interactions of the resulting clusters with other brain regions. Anatomical connectivity was estimated using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) based tractography and functional interactions were assessed by correlations in activity measured with functional MRI (fMRI) at rest. Resting state functional connectivity was also assessed directly in the rhesus macaque lateral parietal cortex in an additional experiment and the patterns found reflected known neuroanatomical connections. Cross-correlation in the tractography-based connectivity patterns of parietal voxels reliably parcellated human lateral parietal cortex into ten component clusters. The resting state functional connectivity of human superior parietal and intraparietal clusters with frontal and extrastriate cortex suggested correspondences with areas in macaque superior and intraparietal sulcus. Functional connectivity patterns with parahippocampal cortex and premotor cortex again suggested fundamental correspondences between inferior parietal cortex in humans and macaques. In contrast, the human parietal cortex differs in the strength of its interactions between the central inferior parietal lobule region and the anterior prefrontal cortex. PMID:21411650

Assistance to neurosurgical planning: using a fuzzy spatial graph model of the brain for locating anatomical targets in MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villéger, Alice; Ouchchane, Lemlih; Lemaire, Jean-Jacques; Boire, Jean-Yves

2007-03-01

Symptoms of neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's disease can be relieved through Deep Brain Stimulation. This neurosurgical technique relies on high precision positioning of electrodes in specific areas of the basal ganglia and the thalamus. These subcortical anatomical targets must be located at pre-operative stage, from a set of MRI acquired under stereotactic conditions. In order to assist surgical planning, we designed a semi-automated image analysis process for extracting anatomical areas of interest. Complementary information, provided by both patient's data and expert knowledge, is represented as fuzzy membership maps, which are then fused by means of suitable possibilistic operators in order to achieve the segmentation of targets. More specifically, theoretical prior knowledge on brain anatomy is modelled within a 'virtual atlas' organised as a spatial graph: a list of vertices linked by edges, where each vertex represents an anatomical structure of interest and contains relevant information such as tissue composition, whereas each edge represents a spatial relationship between two structures, such as their relative directions. The model is built using heterogeneous sources of information such as qualitative descriptions from the expert, or quantitative information from prelabelled images. For each patient, tissue membership maps are extracted from MR data through a classification step. Prior model and patient's data are then matched by using a research algorithm (or 'strategy') which simultaneously computes an estimation of the location of every structures. The method was tested on 10 clinical images, with promising results. Location and segmentation results were statistically assessed, opening perspectives for enhancements.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging techniques for treatment response evaluation in patients with high-grade glioma, a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

van Dijken, Bart R J; van Laar, Peter Jan; Holtman, Gea A; van der Hoorn, Anouk

2017-10-01

Treatment response assessment in high-grade gliomas uses contrast enhanced T1-weighted MRI, but is unreliable. Novel advanced MRI techniques have been studied, but the accuracy is not well known. Therefore, we performed a systematic meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of anatomical and advanced MRI for treatment response in high-grade gliomas. Databases were searched systematically. Study selection and data extraction were done by two authors independently. Meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate random effects model when ≥5 studies were included. Anatomical MRI (five studies, 166 patients) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 68% (95%CI 51-81) and 77% (45-93), respectively. Pooled apparent diffusion coefficients (seven studies, 204 patients) demonstrated a sensitivity of 71% (60-80) and specificity of 87% (77-93). DSC-perfusion (18 studies, 708 patients) sensitivity was 87% (82-91) with a specificity of 86% (77-91). DCE-perfusion (five studies, 207 patients) sensitivity was 92% (73-98) and specificity was 85% (76-92). The sensitivity of spectroscopy (nine studies, 203 patients) was 91% (79-97) and specificity was 95% (65-99). Advanced techniques showed higher diagnostic accuracy than anatomical MRI, the highest for spectroscopy, supporting the use in treatment response assessment in high-grade gliomas. • Treatment response assessment in high-grade gliomas with anatomical MRI is unreliable • Novel advanced MRI techniques have been studied, but diagnostic accuracy is unknown • Meta-analysis demonstrates that advanced MRI showed higher diagnostic accuracy than anatomical MRI • Highest diagnostic accuracy for spectroscopy and perfusion MRI • Supports the incorporation of advanced MRI in high-grade glioma treatment response assessment.

Interosseous nerve transfers for tibialis anterior muscle paralysis (foot drop): a human cadaver-based feasibility study.

PubMed

Pirela-Cruz, Miguel A; Hansen, Uel; Terreros, Daniel A; Rossum, Alfred; West, Priscilla

2009-03-01

This study explored the anatomical feasibility of using an interosseous nerve transfer (routed between the tibia and fibula) to restore motor function to the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, following injury to the common peroneal nerve (resulting in a foot drop). The specific nerve branches evaluated as possible donor nerves included the nerves to the medial gastrocnemius, the lateral gastrocnemius, and the soleus muscles. All nerve transfers were accomplished using a direct interosseous route and a direct repair (one medial gastrocnemius transfer did require interpositional grafting). The distance from the repair site to the TA muscle was shortest for the transfer using the nerve branch to the soleus. Histologically, the nerve branch to the soleus was most similar to the branch to the TA for both axonal count and cross-sectional area. A two-incision surgical approach using a fibular window (mobilizing a fibular segment after double osteotomy) and interosseous routing of the transfer is proposed.

Development of a patient-specific anatomical foot model from structured light scan data.

PubMed

Lochner, Samuel J; Huissoon, Jan P; Bedi, Sanjeev S

2014-01-01

The use of anatomically accurate finite element (FE) models of the human foot in research studies has increased rapidly in recent years. Uses for FE foot models include advancing knowledge of orthotic design, shoe design, ankle-foot orthoses, pathomechanics, locomotion, plantar pressure, tissue mechanics, plantar fasciitis, joint stress and surgical interventions. Similar applications but for clinical use on a per-patient basis would also be on the rise if it were not for the high costs associated with developing patient-specific anatomical foot models. High costs arise primarily from the expense and challenges of acquiring anatomical data via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) and reconstructing the three-dimensional models. The proposed solution morphs detailed anatomy from skin surface geometry and anatomical landmarks of a generic foot model (developed from CT or MRI) to surface geometry and anatomical landmarks acquired from an inexpensive structured light scan of a foot. The method yields a patient-specific anatomical foot model at a fraction of the cost of standard methods. Average error for bone surfaces was 2.53 mm for the six experiments completed. Highest accuracy occurred in the mid-foot and lowest in the forefoot due to the small, irregular bones of the toes. The method must be validated in the intended application to determine if the resulting errors are acceptable.

Anatomical accuracy of brain connections derived from diffusion MRI tractography is inherently limited.

PubMed

Thomas, Cibu; Ye, Frank Q; Irfanoglu, M Okan; Modi, Pooja; Saleem, Kadharbatcha S; Leopold, David A; Pierpaoli, Carlo

2014-11-18

Tractography based on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is widely used for mapping the structural connections of the human brain. Its accuracy is known to be limited by technical factors affecting in vivo data acquisition, such as noise, artifacts, and data undersampling resulting from scan time constraints. It generally is assumed that improvements in data quality and implementation of sophisticated tractography methods will lead to increasingly accurate maps of human anatomical connections. However, assessing the anatomical accuracy of DWI tractography is difficult because of the lack of independent knowledge of the true anatomical connections in humans. Here we investigate the future prospects of DWI-based connectional imaging by applying advanced tractography methods to an ex vivo DWI dataset of the macaque brain. The results of different tractography methods were compared with maps of known axonal projections from previous tracer studies in the macaque. Despite the exceptional quality of the DWI data, none of the methods demonstrated high anatomical accuracy. The methods that showed the highest sensitivity showed the lowest specificity, and vice versa. Additionally, anatomical accuracy was highly dependent upon parameters of the tractography algorithm, with different optimal values for mapping different pathways. These results suggest that there is an inherent limitation in determining long-range anatomical projections based on voxel-averaged estimates of local fiber orientation obtained from DWI data that is unlikely to be overcome by improvements in data acquisition and analysis alone.

The linguistic roots of Modern English anatomical terminology.

PubMed

Turmezei, Tom D

2012-11-01

Previous research focusing on Classical Latin and Greek roots has shown that understanding the etymology of English anatomical terms may be beneficial for students of human anatomy. However, not all anatomical terms are derived from Classical origins. This study aims to explore the linguistic roots of the Modern English terminology used in human gross anatomy. By reference to the Oxford English Dictionary, etymologies were determined for a lexicon of 798 Modern English gross anatomical terms from the 40(th) edition of Gray's Anatomy. Earliest traceable language of origin was determined for all 798 terms; language of acquisition was determined for 747 terms. Earliest traceable languages of origin were: Classical Latin (62%), Classical Greek (24%), Old English (7%), Post-Classical Latin (3%), and other (4%). Languages of acquisition were: Classical Latin (42%), Post-Classical Latin (29%), Old English (8%), Modern French (6%), Classical Greek (5%), Middle English (3%), and other (7%). While the roots of Modern English anatomical terminology mostly lie in Classical languages (accounting for the origin of 86% of terms), the anatomical lexicon of Modern English is actually much more diverse. Interesting and perhaps less familiar examples from these languages and the methods by which such terms have been created and absorbed are discussed. The author suggests that awareness of anatomical etymologies may enhance the enjoyment and understanding of human anatomy for students and teachers alike. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new contrast agent for radiological and dissection studies of the arterial network of anatomic specimens.

PubMed

Bulla, A; Casoli, C; Farace, F; Mazzarello, V; De Luca, L; Rubino, C; Montella, A

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study is to propose a new contrast agent that can be easily applied both to CT and dissection studies to replace lead oxide based formulas for comparative anatomical analyses of the vascularisation of cadaveric specimens. The infusion material was an epoxy resin, especially modified by the addition of barium sulphate to enhance its radiopacity. The final copolymer was toxicologically safe. To test the properties of the new material, several cadaveric limb injections were performed. The injected specimens were both CT scanned to perform 3D vascular reconstructions and dissected by anatomical planes. There was a perfect correspondence between the image studies and the dissections: even the smallest arteries on CT scan can be identified on the specimen and vice versa. The properties of the epoxy allowed an easy dissection of the vessels. The new imaging techniques available today, such as CT scan, can evaluate the vascular anatomy in high detail and 3D. This new contrast agent may help realising detailed vascular studies comparing CT scan results with anatomical dissections. Moreover, it may be useful for teaching surgical skills in the field of plastic surgery.

Anatomical Study of the Clavicles in a Chinese Population

PubMed Central

Qiu, Xu-sheng; Wang, Xiao-bo; Zhang, Yan; Zhu, Yan-Cheng; Guo, Xia; Chen, Yi-xin

2016-01-01

Background. A reemergence of interest in clavicle anatomy was prompted because of the advocacy for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. Several anatomical studies of the clavicle have been performed in western population. However, there was no anatomical study of clavicle in Chinese population. Patients and Methods. 52 patients were included in the present study. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the clavicles were generated. The length of the clavicle, the widths and thicknesses of the clavicle, curvatures of the clavicle, the areas of the intramedullary canal, and sectional areas of the clavicle were measured. All the measurements were compared between genders and two sides. Results. The mean length of the clavicles was 144.2 ± 12.0 mm. Clavicles in males were longer, wider, and thicker than in females; also males have different curvatures in both planes compared with females. The men's intramedullary canals and sectional areas of the clavicle were larger than those of women. No significant difference between the sides was found for all the measurements. Conclusion. This study provided an anatomical data of the clavicle in a Chinese population. These clavicle dimensions can be applied to the modifications of the contemporary clavicle plate or a new development for the Chinese population. PMID:27088088

Evolution of illustrations in anatomy: a study from the classical period in Europe to modern times.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sanjib Kumar

2015-01-01

Illustrations constitute an essential element of learning anatomy in modern times. However it required a significant evolutionary process spread over centuries, for illustrations to achieve the present status in the subject of anatomy. This review article attempts to outline the evolutionary process by highlighting on the works of esteemed anatomists in a chronological manner. Available literature suggests that illustrations were not used in anatomy during the classical period when the subject was dominated by the descriptive text of Galen. Guido da Vigevano was first to use illustrations in anatomy during the Late Middle Ages and this concept developed further during the Renaissance period when Andreas Vesalius pioneered in illustrations becoming an indispensable tool in conveying anatomical details. Toward later stages of the Renaissance period, Fabricius ab Aquapendente endeavored to restrict dramatization of anatomical illustrations which was a prevalent trend in early Renaissance. During the 18th century, anatomical artwork was characterized by the individual styles of prominent anatomists leading to suppression of anatomical details. In the 19th century, Henry Gray used illustrations in his anatomical masterpiece that focused on depicting anatomical structures and were free from any artistic style. From early part of the 20th century medical images and photographs started to complement traditional handmade anatomical illustrations. Computer technology and advanced software systems played a key role in the evolution of anatomical illustrations during the late 20th century resulting in new generation 3D image datasets that are being used in the 21st century in innovative formats for teaching and learning anatomy. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.

Anatomical eponyms - unloved names in medical terminology.

PubMed

Burdan, F; Dworzański, W; Cendrowska-Pinkosz, M; Burdan, M; Dworzańska, A

2016-01-01

Uniform international terminology is a fundamental issue of medicine. Names of various organs or structures have developed since early human history. The first proper anatomical books were written by Hippocrates, Aristotle and Galen. For this reason the modern terms originated from Latin or Greek. In a modern time the terminology was improved in particular by Vasalius, Fabricius and Harvey. Presently each known structure has internationally approved term that is explained in anatomical or histological terminology. However, some elements received eponyms, terms that incorporate the surname of the people that usually describe them for the first time or studied them (e.g., circle of Willis, follicle of Graff, fossa of Sylvious, foramen of Monro, Adamkiewicz artery). Literature and historical hero also influenced medical vocabulary (e.g. Achilles tendon and Atlas). According to various scientists, all the eponyms bring colour to medicine, embed medical traditions and culture to our history but lack accuracy, lead of confusion, and hamper scientific discussion. The current article presents a wide list of the anatomical eponyms with their proper anatomical term or description according to international anatomical terminology. However, since different eponyms are used in various countries, the list could be expanded.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: safety, efficacy and learning curve during the first 250 cases in Quebec, Canada.

PubMed

Drevet, Gabrielle; Ugalde Figueroa, Paula

2016-03-01

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) using a single incision (uniportal) may result in better pain control, earlier mobilization and shorter hospital stays. Here, we review the safety and efficiency of our initial experience with uniportal VATS and evaluate our learning curve. We conducted a retrospective review of uniportal VATS using a prospectively maintained departmental database and analyzed patients who had undergone a lung anatomic resection separately from patients who underwent other resections. To assess the learning curve, we compared the first 10 months of the study period with the second 10 months. From January 2014 to August 2015, 250 patients underwent intended uniportal VATS, including 180 lung anatomic resections (72%) and 70 other resections (28%). Lung anatomic resection was successfully completed using uniportal VATS in 153 patients (85%), which comprised all the anatomic segmentectomies (29 patients), 80% (4 of 5) of the pneumonectomies and 82% (120 of 146) of the lobectomies attempted. The majority of lung anatomic resections that required conversion to thoracotomy occurred in the first half of our study period. Seventy patients underwent other uniportal VATS resections. Wedge resections were the most common of these procedures (25 patients, 35.7%). Although 24 of the 70 patients (34%) required the placement of additional ports, none required conversion to thoracotomy. Uniportal VATS was safe and feasible for both standard and complex pulmonary resections. However, when used for pulmonary anatomic resections, uniportal VATS entails a steep learning curve.

Comparative radiographic analysis on the anatomical axis in knee osteoarthritis cases: inter and intraobserver evaluation.

PubMed

Matos, Luiz Felipe; Giordano, Marcos; Cardoso, Gustavo Novaes; Farias, Rafael Baptista; E Albuquerque, Rodrigo Pires

2015-01-01

To make a comparative inter and intraobserver analysis on measurements of the anatomical axis between panoramic radiographs of the lower limbs in anteroposterior (AP) view with bipedal weight-bearing, on short film. An accuracy study comparing radiographic measurements on 47 knees of patients attending the knee surgery outpatient clinic due to osteoarthritis. The radiographic evaluation used was as standardized for the total knee arthroplasty program, including panoramic AP views of the lower limbs and short radiographs of the knees in AP and lateral views, all with bipedal weight-bearing. Following this, the anatomical axis of the lower limbs or the femorotibial angle was measured by five independent examiners on the panoramic and short AP radiographs; three of the examiners were considered to be more experienced and two, less experienced. All the measurements were made again by the same examiners after an interval of not less than 15 days. The statistical analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, in order to evaluate the inter and intraobserver concordance of the anatomical axis measurements. From the statistical analysis, it was observed that there was strongly significant concordance between the anatomical axis measurements on the panoramic and short radiographs, for all the five examiners and for both measurements. Under the conditions studied, short radiographs were equivalent to panoramic radiographs for evaluating the anatomical axis of the lower limbs in patients with advanced osteoarthritis. The measurements used also showed high rates of inter and intraobserver concordance and reproducibility.

EMG responses to maintain stance during multidirectional surface translations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henry, S. M.; Fung, J.; Horak, F. B.; Peterson, B. W. (Principal Investigator)

1998-01-01

To characterize muscle synergy organization underlying multidirectional control of stance posture, electromyographic activity was recorded from 11 lower limb and trunk muscles of 7 healthy subjects while they were subjected to horizontal surface translations in 12 different, randomly presented directions. The latency and amplitude of muscle responses were quantified for each perturbation direction. Tuning curves for each muscle were examined to relate the amplitude of the muscle response to the direction of surface translation. The latencies of responses for the shank and thigh muscles were constant, regardless of perturbation direction. In contrast, the latencies for another thigh [tensor fascia latae (TFL)] and two trunk muscles [rectus abdominis (RAB) and erector spinae (ESP)] were either early or late, depending on the perturbation direction. These three muscles with direction-specific latencies may play different roles in postural control as prime movers or as stabilizers for different translation directions, depending on the timing of recruitment. Most muscle tuning curves were within one quadrant, having one direction of maximal activity, generally in response to diagonal surface translations. Two trunk muscles (RAB and ESP) and two lower limb muscles (semimembranosus and peroneus longus) had bipolar tuning curves, with two different directions of maximal activity, suggesting that these muscle can play different roles as part of different synergies, depending on translation direction. Muscle tuning curves tended to group into one of three regions in response to 12 different directions of perturbations. Two muscles [rectus femoris (RFM) and TFL] were maximally active in response to lateral surface translations. The remaining muscles clustered into one of two diagonal regions. The diagonal regions corresponded to the two primary directions of active horizontal force vector responses. Two muscles (RFM and adductor longus) were maximally active orthogonal to their predicted direction of maximal activity based on anatomic orientation. Some of the muscles in each of the synergic regions were not anatomic synergists, suggesting a complex central organization for recruitment of muscles. The results suggest that neither a simple reflex mechanism nor a fixed muscle synergy organization is adequate to explain the muscle activation patterns observed in this postural control task. Our results are consistent with a centrally mediated pattern of muscle latencies combined with peripheral influence on muscle magnitude. We suggest that a flexible continuum of muscle synergies that are modifiable in a task-dependent manner be used for equilibrium control in stance.

[Transverse radioulnar branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve: anatomic description and arthroscopic implications from 45 cadaveric dissections].

PubMed

Ehlinger, M; Rapp, E; Cognet, J-M; Clavert, P; Bonnomet, F; Kahn, J-L; Kempf, J-F

2005-05-01

We conducted an anatomic study of the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve to describe its morphology and position in relation to arthroscopic exploration portals. Forty-five non-side-matched anatomic specimens of unknown age and gender were preserved in formol. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was identified and dissected proximally to distally in order to reveal the different terminal branches. The morphometric analysis included measurement of the length and diameter of the transverse branch and measurement of wrist width. We also measured the smallest distance between the transverse branch and the ulnar styloid process, and between the branch and usual arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) in the axis of the forearm. The transverse branch was inconstant. It was found in 12 of the 45 dissection specimens (27%). In two-thirds of the specimens, the branch ran over less than 50% of the wrist width, tangentially to the radiocarpal joint. Mean nerve diameter was 1 mm. It was found 5-6 mm from the ulnar styloid process and was distal to it in 83% of the specimens. The dissections demonstrated two anatomic variants. Type A corresponded to a branch running distally to the ulnar styloid process, parallel to the joint line (10/12 specimens). Type B exhibited a trajectory proximal to the ulnar styloid process, crossing the ulnar head (2/12 specimens). The relations with the arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) showed that the mean distance from the branch to the portal was 3.75 mm for the 4-5 portal (distally in 11/12 specimens), 3.68 mm for the 6R portal (distally in 10/12 specimens), and 4.83 mm for the 6U portal (distally in 7 specimens and proximally in 5). To our knowledge, there has been only one report specifically devoted to this transverse branch. Two other reports simply mention its existence. According to the literature, the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve occurs in 60-80% of the cases. We found two anatomic variations different than those described in the literature. Based on our findings and data reported previously, we propose a new classification, describing two main types. In Type 1, the transverse branch arises proximally to the ulnar styloid process;type 1A and type IB are described in relation to the direction of the branch. In Type II, the branch arises distally to the ulnar styloid process;type IIA and type IIB again being described in relation to the direction of the branch. On the tangential trajectory over the radiocarpal joint, the morphometric data show a zone of risk described by a rectangle measuring 10 mm wide (6 mm distal and 4 mm proximal to the ulnar styloid process) and covering 50% of the wrist width. The relations with arthroscopic portals describe a zone of risk corresponding to a 5-7 mm radius circle centered on the portals (4-5, 6R, 6U), which includes 83% of the transverse branches.

Low Contrast Dose Catheter-Directed CT Angiography (CCTA)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Formosa, Amanda, E-mail: amandaformosa@yahoo.ca; Santos, Denise May, E-mail: contact@denisemaysantos.com; Marcuzzi, Daniel

2016-04-15

PurposeCatheter-directed computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has been shown to reduce the contrast volumes required in conventional CTA, thus minimizing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on cases where CCTA was used to assess access vessels prior to transfemoral aortic valve implantation (TAVI, n = 53), abdominal aortic aneurysm assessment for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR, n = 11), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD, n = 24).ResultsWe show that CCTA can image vasculature with adequate diagnostic detail to allow assessment of lower extremity disease, anatomic suitability for EVAR, as well as potential contraindications to TAVI. Average contrast volumes for pre-TAVI, pre-EVAR, andmore » PVD cases were 7, 11, and 28 mL, respectively.ConclusionThis study validates the use of CCTA in obtaining diagnostic images of the abdominal and pelvic vessels and in imaging lower extremity vasculature.« less

Historical evolution of anatomical terminology from ancient to modern.

PubMed

Sakai, Tatsuo

2007-06-01

The historical development of anatomical terminology from the ancient to the modern can be divided into five stages. The initial stage is represented by the oldest extant anatomical treatises by Galen of Pergamon in the Roman Empire. The anatomical descriptions by Galen utilized only a limited number of anatomical terms, which were essentially colloquial words in the Greek of this period. In the second stage, Vesalius in the early 16th century described the anatomical structures in his Fabrica with the help of detailed magnificent illustrations. He coined substantially no anatomical terms, but devised a system that distinguished anatomical structures with ordinal numbers. The third stage of development in the late 16th century was marked by innovation of a large number of specific anatomical terms especially for the muscles, vessels and nerves. The main figures at this stage were Sylvius in Paris and Bauhin in Basel. In the fourth stage between Bauhin and the international anatomical terminology, many anatomical textbooks were written mainly in Latin in the 17th century, and in modern languages in the 18th and 19th centuries. Anatomical terms for the same structure were differently expressed by different authors. The last stage began at the end of the 19th century, when the first international anatomical terminology in Latin was published as Nomina anatomica. The anatomical terminology was revised repeatedly until the current Terminologia anatomica both in Latin and English.

Three-Dimensional Display Technologies for Anatomical Education: A Literature Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, Matthew; Proctor, Michael

2016-08-01

Anatomy is a foundational component of biological sciences and medical education and is important for a variety of clinical tasks. To augment current curriculum and improve students' spatial knowledge of anatomy, many educators, anatomists, and researchers use three-dimensional (3D) visualization technologies. This article reviews 3D display technologies and their associated assessments for anatomical education. In the first segment, the review covers the general function of displays employing 3D techniques. The second segment of the review highlights the use and assessment of 3D technology in anatomical education, focusing on factors such as knowledge gains, student perceptions, and cognitive load. The review found 32 articles on the use of 3D displays in anatomical education and another 38 articles on the assessment of 3D displays. The review shows that the majority (74 %) of studies indicate that the use of 3D is beneficial for many tasks in anatomical education, and that student perceptions are positive toward the technology.

Identification of selected CITES-protected Araucariaceae using DART TOFMS

Treesearch

Philip D. Evans; Ignacio A. Mundo; Michael C. Wiemann; Gabriela D. Chavarria; Pamela J. McClure; Doina Voin; Edgard O. Espinoza

2017-01-01

Determining the species source of logs and planks suspected of being Araucaria araucana (Molina) K.Koch (CITES Appendix I) using traditional wood anatomy has been difficult, because its anatomical features are not diagnostic. Additionally, anatomical studies of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, Araucaria...

Tele-Immersion: Preferred Infrastructure for Anatomy Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silverstein, Jonathan C.; Ehrenfeld, Jesse M.; Croft, Darin A.; Dech, Fred W.; Small, Stephen; Cook, Sandy

2006-01-01

Understanding spatial relationships among anatomic structures is an essential skill for physicians. Traditional medical education--using books, lectures, physical models, and cadavers--may be insufficient for teaching complex anatomical relationships. This study was designed to measure whether teaching complex anatomy to medical students using…

HPV Vaccine Effective at Multiple Anatomic Sites

Cancer.gov

A new study from NCI researchers finds that the HPV vaccine protects young women from infection with high-risk HPV types at the three primary anatomic sites where persistent HPV infections can cause cancer. The multi-site protection also was observed at l

Bone mineral content measurement in small infants by single-photon absorptiometry: current methodologic issues

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steichen, J.J.; Asch, P.A.; Tsang, R.C.

1988-07-01

Single-photon absorptiometry (SPA), developed in 1963 and adapted for infants by Steichen et al. in 1976, is an important tool to quantitate bone mineralization in infants. Studies of infants in which SPA was used include studies of fetal bone mineralization and postnatal bone mineralization in very low birth weight infants. The SPA technique has also been used as a research tool to investigate longitudinal bone mineralization and to study the effect of nutrition and disease processes such as rickets or osteopenia of prematurity. At present, it has little direct clinical application for diagnosing bone disease in single patients. The bonesmore » most often used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) are the radius, the ulna, and, less often, the humerus. The radius appears to be preferred as a suitable bone to measure BMC in infants. It is easily accessible; anatomic reference points are easily palpated and have a constant relationship to the radial mid-shaft site; soft tissue does not affect either palpation of anatomic reference points or BMC quantitation in vivo. The peripheral location of the radius minimizes body radiation exposure. Trabecular and cortical bone can be measured separately. Extensive background studies exist on radial BMC in small infants. Most important, the radius has a relatively long zone of constant BMC. Finally, SPA for BMC in the radius has a high degree of precision and accuracy. 61 references.« less

Can proximity of the occipital artery to the greater occipital nerve act as a cause of idiopathic greater occipital neuralgia? An anatomical and histological evaluation of the artery-nerve relationship.

PubMed

Shimizu, Satoru; Oka, Hidehiro; Osawa, Shigeyuki; Fukushima, Yutaka; Utsuki, Satoshi; Tanaka, Ryusui; Fujii, Kiyotaka

2007-06-01

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether proximity of the occipital artery to the greater occipital nerve can act as a cause of occipital neuralgia, analogous to the contribution of intracranial vessels due to compression in cranial nerve neuralgias, represented by trigeminal neuralgias due to compression of the trigeminal nerve root by adjacent arterial loops. Twenty-four suboccipital areas in cadaver heads were studied for anatomical relationships between the occipital artery and the greater occipital nerve, with histopathological assessment of the greater occipital nerve for signs of mechanical damage. The occipital artery and greater occipital nerve were found to cross each other in the nuchal subcutaneous layer, and the latter was constantly situated superficial to the former at the cross point. An indentation of the greater occipital nerve due to the occipital artery was observed at the cross point in all specimens. However, histopathological examination did not reveal any findings of damage to nerves, even in specimens with atherosclerosis of the occipital artery. Although the present study did not provide direct evidence that the occipital artery contributes to occipital neuralgia at the point of contact with the greater occipital nerve, the possibility still cannot be precluded, because the occipital artery may be palpable in areas corresponding to tenderness of the greater occipital nerve. Further studies, including clinical cases, are needed to clarify this issue.

Drilling the femoral tunnel during ACL reconstruction: transtibial versus anteromedial portal techniques.

PubMed

Tudisco, Cosimo; Bisicchia, Salvatore

2012-08-01

Incorrect bone tunnel position, particularly on the femoral side, is a frequent cause of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Several studies have reported that drilling the femoral tunnel through the anteromedial portal allows a more anatomical placement on the lateral femoral condyle and higher knee stability than does transtibial reconstruction.In the current study, the femoral tunnel was drilled with transtibial (n=6) and anteromedial (n=6) portal techniques in 12 cadaveric knees. With appropriate landmarks inserted into bone tunnels, the direction and length of the tunnels were determined on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Knee stability was evaluated with a KT1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric Corporation, San Diego, California) and pivot shift test, comparing the pre- and postoperative values of both techniques. Finally, all knees were dissected to enhance vision of the insertion of the reconstructed ligament. The anteromedial portal technique led to better placement of the femoral tunnel in the coronal and sagittal planes, with higher knee stability according to the pivot shift test but not the KT1000 arthrometer. Anatomical and clinical results reported in the literature on transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques are controversial, but most of studies report better results with the anteromedial portal technique, especially regarding rotational stability. The current cadaveric study showed that the anteromedial portal technique provided better tunnel placement on the lateral femoral condyle in the coronal and sagittal planes, with an improvement in the rotational stability of the knee. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Anatomical location differences between mutated and wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 in low-grade gliomas.

PubMed

Yu, Jinhua; Shi, Zhifeng; Ji, Chunhong; Lian, Yuxi; Wang, Yuanyuan; Chen, Liang; Mao, Ying

2017-10-01

Anatomical location of gliomas has been considered as a factor implicating the contributions of a specific precursor cells during the tumor growth. Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is a pathognomonic biomarker with a significant impact on the development of gliomas and remarkable prognostic effect. The correlation between anatomical location of tumor and IDH1 states for low-grade gliomas was analyzed quantitatively in this study. Ninety-two patients diagnosed of low-grade glioma pathologically were recruited in this study, including 65 patients with IDH1-mutated glioma and 27 patients with wide-type IDH1. A convolutional neural network was designed to segment the tumor from three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging images. Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping was then employed to study the tumor location distribution differences between gliomas with mutated and wild-type IDH1. In order to characterize the location differences quantitatively, the Automated Anatomical Labeling Atlas was used to partition the standard brain atlas into 116 anatomical volumes of interests (AVOIs). The percentages of tumors with different IDH1 states in 116 AVOIs were calculated and compared. Support vector machine and AdaBoost algorithms were used to estimate the IDH1 status based on the 116 location features of each patient. Experimental results proved that the quantitative tumor location measurement could be a very important group of imaging features in biomarker estimation based on radiomics analysis of glioma.

Anterolateral ligament anatomy: a comparative anatomical study.

PubMed

Ingham, Sheila Jean McNeill; de Carvalho, Rogerio Teixeira; Martins, Cesar A Q; Lertwanich, Pisit; Abdalla, Rene Jorge; Smolinski, Patrick; Lovejoy, C Owen; Fu, Freddie H

2017-04-01

Some anatomical studies have indicated that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is distinct ligamentous structure in humans. The purpose of this study is to compare the lateral anatomy of the knee among human and various animal specimens. Fifty-eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, from 24 different animal species, were used for this anatomical study. The same researchers dissected all the specimens in this study, and dissections were performed in a careful and standardized manner. An ALL was not found in any of the 58 knees dissected. Another interesting finding in this study is that some primate species (the prosimians: the red and black and white lemurs) have two LCLs. The clinical relevance of this study is the lack of isolation of the ALL as a unique structure in animal species. Therefore, precaution is recommended before assessing the need for surgery to reconstruct the ALL as a singular ligament.

Development of a histologically validated segmentation protocol for the hippocampal body.

PubMed

Steve, Trevor A; Yasuda, Clarissa L; Coras, Roland; Lail, Mohjevan; Blumcke, Ingmar; Livy, Daniel J; Malykhin, Nikolai; Gross, Donald W

2017-08-15

Recent findings have demonstrated that hippocampal subfields can be selectively affected in different disease states, which has led to efforts to segment the human hippocampus with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, no studies have examined the histological accuracy of subfield segmentation protocols. The presence of MRI-visible anatomical landmarks with known correspondence to histology represents a fundamental prerequisite for in vivo hippocampal subfield segmentation. In the present study, we aimed to: 1) develop a novel method for hippocampal body segmentation, based on two MRI-visible anatomical landmarks (stratum lacunosum moleculare [SLM] & dentate gyrus [DG]), and assess its accuracy in comparison to the gold standard direct histological measurements; 2) quantify the accuracy of two published segmentation strategies in comparison to the histological gold standard; and 3) apply the novel method to ex vivo MRI and correlate the results with histology. Ultra-high resolution ex vivo MRI was performed on six whole cadaveric hippocampal specimens, which were then divided into 22 blocks and histologically processed. The hippocampal bodies were segmented into subfields based on histological criteria and subfield boundaries and areas were directly measured. A novel method was developed using mean percentage of the total SLM distance to define subfield boundaries. Boundary distances and subfield areas on histology were then determined using the novel method and compared to the gold standard histological measurements. The novel method was then used to determine ex vivo MRI measures of subfield boundaries and areas, which were compared to histological measurements. For direct histological measurements, the mean percentages of total SLM distance were: Subiculum/CA1 = 9.7%, CA1/CA2 = 78.4%, CA2/CA3 = 97.5%. When applied to histology, the novel method provided accurate measures for CA1/CA2 (ICC = 0.93) and CA2/CA3 (ICC = 0.97) boundaries, but not for the Subiculum/CA1 (ICC = -0.04) boundary. Accuracy was poorer using previous techniques for CA1/CA2 (maximum ICC = 0.85) and CA2/CA3 (maximum ICC = 0.88), with the previously reported techniques also performing poorly in defining the Subiculum/CA1 boundary (maximum ICC = 0.00). Ex vivo MRI measurements using the novel method were linearly related to direct measurements of SLM length (r 2 = 0.58), CA1/CA2 boundary (r 2 = 0.39) and CA2/CA3 boundary (r 2 = 0.47), but not for Subiculum/CA1 boundary (r 2 = 0.01). Subfield areas measured with the novel method on histology and ex vivo MRI were linearly related to gold standard histological measures for CA1, CA2, and CA3/CA4/DG. In this initial proof of concept study, we used ex vivo MRI and histology of cadaveric hippocampi to develop a novel segmentation protocol for the hippocampal body. The novel method utilized two anatomical landmarks, SLM & DG, and provided accurate measurements of CA1, CA2, and CA3/CA4/DG subfields in comparison to the gold standard histological measurements. The relationships demonstrated between histology and ex vivo MRI supports the potential feasibility of applying this method to in vivo MRI studies. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Brain Growth Across the Life Span in Autism: Age-Specific Changes in Anatomical Pathology

PubMed Central

Courchesne, Eric; Campbell, Kathleen; Solso, Stephanie

2014-01-01

Autism is marked by overgrowth of the brain at the earliest ages but not at older ages when decreases in structural volumes and neuron numbers are observed instead. This has lead to the theory of age-specific anatomic abnormalities in autism. Here we report age-related changes in brain size in autistic and typical subjects from 12 months to 50 years of age based on analyses of 586 longitudinal and cross-sectional MRI scans. This dataset is several times larger than the largest autism study to date. Results demonstrate early brain overgrowth during infancy and the toddler years in autistic boys and girls, followed by an accelerated rate of decline in size and perhaps degeneration from adolescence to late middle age in this disorder. We theorize that underlying these age-specific changes in anatomic abnormalities in autism there may also be age-specific changes in gene expression, molecular, synaptic, cellular and circuit abnormalities. A peak age for detecting and studying the earliest fundamental biological underpinnings of autism is prenatal life and the first three postnatal years. Studies of the older autistic brain may not address original causes but are essential to discovering how best to help the older aging autistic person. Lastly, the theory of age-specific anatomic abnormalities in autism has broad implications for a wide range of work on the disorder including the design, validation and interpretation of animal model, lymphocyte gene expression, brain gene expression, and genotype/CNV-anatomic phenotype studies. PMID:20920490

The anatomical and imaging study of pes anserinus and its clinical application

PubMed Central

Zhong, Sheng; Wu, Bo; Wang, Miao; Wang, Xiaohong; Yan, Qi; Fan, Xingyu; Hu, Yanmei; Han, Yingying; Li, Youqiong

2018-01-01

Abstract Background: The pes anserinus was an important graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) might be damaged in this surgery. This study aimed to provide anatomic and ultrasonic measurement data of pes anserinus and superficial nerves. Methods: Eighty lower limb specimens of forty adult cadavers were dissected. The length, width, thickness, and the position of the tibial attachment of pes anserinus tendons were anthropometric measured, as well as the distance between the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve and the pes anserinus. Sixty healthy adult participants were enrolled for ultrasonic research. The length, width, thickness of pes anserinus was also measured and the saphenous nerve was also assessed. Results: Anatomic results showed that there were 3 types of pes anserinus, the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) was almost paralleled to the upper edge of the pes anserinus tendon, and the average of distance between them was about 0.95 cm. The length of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were 146.49 ± 12.83 mm and 124.62 ± 8.86 mm, the width of sartorius tendon was 25.58 ± 4.65 mm, wider than other tendons. The classification of pes anserinus tendons and the saphenous nerves could be identified in ultrasonic image. The length of semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were 151.35 ± 9.65 mm and 120.86 ± 8.99 mm, the width of sartorius tendon was 22.84 ± 3.83 mm. And there was no significance difference between anatomic and ultrasonic measurement (P > .05). Conclusion: The morphology of pes anserinus and its peripheral structures could be identified and measured precisely by ultrasound device, a presurgical ultrasonic examination was recommended. The arrangement of pes anserinus tendons was classified into 3 types according to our results. The incision should be performed medial to tibial eminence 1.5 cm and under the tibial tubercle level 2 to 3 cm, an oblique incision formed an angle of 50° with tibial transection was recommend, which was parallel to the direction of pes anserinus tendon. PMID:29642176

The surgical vascular anatomy of the minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody approach: a cadaveric and radiographic analysis.

PubMed

Alkadhim, Mustafa; Zoccali, Carmine; Abbasifard, Salman; Avila, Mauricio J; Patel, Apar S; Sattarov, Kamran; Walter, Christina M; Baaj, Ali A

2015-11-01

The minimally invasive (MI) lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) approach has become increasingly popular for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease. The neural anatomy of the lumbar plexus has been studied; however, the pertinent surgical vascular anatomy has not been examined in detail. The goal of this study is to examine the vascular structures that are relevant in relation to the MI-LLIF approach. Anatomic dissection of the lumbar spines and associated vasculature was performed in three embalmed, adult cadavers. Right and left surgeon perspective views during LLIF were for a total of six approaches. During the dissection, all vascular elements were noted and photographed, and anatomical relationships to the vertebral bodies and disc spaces were analyzed. In addition, several axial and sagittal MRI images of the lumbar spine were analyzed to complement the cadaveric analysis. The aorta descends along the left anterior aspect of lumbar vertebra with an average distance of 2.1 cm (range 1.9-2.3 cm) to the center of each intervertebral disc. The vena cava descends along the right anterior aspect of lumbar vertebrates with average distance of 1.4 cm (range 1.3-1.6 cm) to the center of the intervertebral disc. Each vertebral body has two lumbar arteries (direct branches from the aorta); one exits to the left and one to the right side of the vertebral body. The lumbar arteries pass underneath the sympathetic trunk, run in the superior margin of the vertebral body and extend all the way across it, with average length of 3.8 cm (range 2.5-5 cm). The mean distance between the arteries and the inferior plate of the superior disc space is 4.2 mm (range 2-5 mm) and mean distance of 3.1 cm (range 2.8-3.8 cm) between two arteries in adjacent vertebrae. One of the cadavers had an expected normal anatomical variation where the left arteries at L3-L4 anastomosed dorsally of the vertebral bodies at the middle of the intervertebral disc. Understanding the vascular anatomy of the lateral and anterior lumbar spine is paramount for successfully and safely executing the LLIF procedure. It is imperative to identify anatomical variations in lumbar arteries and veins with careful assessment of the preoperative imaging.

Synaptic communication between neurons and NG2+ cells.

PubMed

Paukert, Martin; Bergles, Dwight E

2006-10-01

Chemical synaptic transmission provides the basis for much of the rapid signaling that occurs within neuronal networks. However, recent studies have provided compelling evidence that synapses are not used exclusively for communication between neurons. Physiological and anatomical studies indicate that a distinct class of glia known as NG2(+) cells also forms direct synaptic junctions with both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Glutamatergic signaling can influence intracellular Ca(2+) levels in NG2(+) cells by activating Ca(2+) permeable AMPA receptors, and these inputs can be potentiated through high frequency stimulation. Although the significance of this highly differentiated form of communication remains to be established, these neuro-glia synapses might enable neurons to influence rapidly the behavior of this ubiquitous class of glial progenitors.

The Integration of Negative Affect, Pain, and Cognitive Control in the Cingulate Cortex

PubMed Central

Shackman, Alexander J.; Salomons, Tim V.; Slagter, Heleen A.; Fox, Andrew S.; Winter, Jameel J.; Davidson, Richard J.

2011-01-01

Preface It has been argued that emotion, pain, and cognitive control are functionally segregated in distinct subdivisions of the cingulate cortex. But recent observations encourage a fundamentally different view. Imaging studies indicate that negative affect, pain, and cognitive control activate an overlapping region of dorsal cingulate, the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC). Anatomical studies reveal that aMCC constitutes a hub where information about reinforcers can be linked to motor centers responsible for expressing affect and executing goal-directed behavior. Computational modeling and other kinds of evidence suggest that this intimacy reflects control processes that are common to all three domains. These observations compel a reconsideration of dorsal cingulate’s contribution to negative affect and pain. PMID:21331082

Diagnosing upper extremity deep vein thrombosis with non-contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging: A pilot study.

PubMed

Dronkers, C E A; Klok, F A; van Haren, G R; Gleditsch, J; Westerlund, E; Huisman, M V; Kroft, L J M

2018-03-01

Diagnosing upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) can be challenging. Compression ultrasonography is often inconclusive because of overlying anatomic structures that hamper compressing veins. Contrast venography is invasive and has a risk of contrast allergy. Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging (MRDTI) and Three Dimensional Turbo Spin-echo Spectral Attenuated Inversion Recovery (3D TSE-SPAIR) are both non-contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences that can visualize a thrombus directly by the visualization of methemoglobin, which is formed in a fresh blood clot. MRDTI has been proven to be accurate in diagnosing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. The primary aim of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of diagnosing UEDVT with these MRI techniques. MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR were performed in 3 pilot patients who were already diagnosed with UEDVT by ultrasonography or contrast venography. In all patients, UEDVT diagnosis could be confirmed by MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR in all vein segments. In conclusion, this study showed that non-contrast MRDTI and 3D TSE-SPAIR sequences may be feasible tests to diagnose UEDVT. However diagnostic accuracy and management studies have to be performed before these techniques can be routinely used in clinical practice. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vivo study of the surgical anatomy of the axilla.

PubMed

Khan, A; Chakravorty, A; Gui, G P H

2012-06-01

Classical anatomical descriptions fail to describe variants often observed in the axilla as they are based on studies that looked at individual structures in isolation or textbooks of cadaveric dissections. The presence of variant anatomy heightens the risk of iatrogenic injury. The aim of this study was to document the nature and frequency of these anatomical variations based on in vivo peroperative surgical observations. Detailed anatomical relationships were documented prospectively during consecutive axillary dissections. Relationships between the thoracodorsal pedicle, course of the lateral thoracic vein, presence of latissimus dorsi muscle slips, variations in axillary and angular vein anatomy, and origins and branching of the intercostobrachial nerve were recorded. Among a total of 73 axillary dissections, 43 (59 per cent) revealed at least one anatomical variant. Most notable variants included aberrant courses of the thoracodorsal nerve in ten patients (14 per cent)--three variants; lateral thoracic vein in 12 patients (16 per cent)--four variants; bifid axillary veins in ten patients (14 per cent); latissimus dorsi muscle slips in four patients (5 per cent); and variants in intercostobrachial nerve origins and branching in 26 patients (36 per cent). The angular vein, a subscapular vein tributary, was found to be a constant axillary structure. Variations in axillary anatomical structures are common. Poor understanding of these variants can affect the adequacy of oncological clearance, lead to vascular injury, compromise planned microvascular procedures and result in chronic pain or numbness from nerve injury. Surgeons should be aware of the common anatomical variants to facilitate efficient and safe axillary surgery. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Economic Analysis of Anatomic Plating Versus Tubular Plating for the Treatment of Fibula Fractures.

PubMed

Chang, Gerard; Bhat, Suneel B; Raikin, Steven M; Kane, Justin M; Kay, Andrew; Ahmad, Jamal; Pedowitz, David I; Krieg, James

2018-03-01

Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries requiring operative management. Implant choices include one-third tubular plates and anatomically precontoured plates. Although cadaveric studies have not revealed biomechanical differences between various plate constructs, there are substantial cost differences. This study sought to characterize the economic implications of implant choice. A retrospective review was undertaken of 201 consecutive patients with operatively treated OTA type 44B and 44C ankles. A Nationwide Inpatient Sample query was performed to estimate the incidence of ankle fractures requiring fibular plating, and a Monte Carlo simulation was conducted with the estimated at-risk US population for associated plate-specific costs. The authors estimated an annual incidence of operatively treated ankle fractures in the United States of 59,029. The average cost was $90.86 (95% confidence interval, $90.84-$90.87) for a one-third tubular plate vs $746.97 (95% confidence interval, $746.55-$747.39) for an anatomic plate. Across the United States, use of only one-third tubular plating over anatomic plating would result in statistically significant savings of $38,729,517 (95% confidence interval, $38,704,773-$38,754,261; P<.0001). General use of one-third tubular plating instead of anatomic plating whenever possible for fibula fractures could result in cost savings of up to nearly $40 million annually in the United States. Unless clinically justifiable on a per-case basis, or until the advent of studies showing substantial clinical benefit, there currently is no reason for the increased expense from widespread use of anatomic plating for fractures amenable to one-third tubular plating. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e252-e256.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

Biomechanical consequences of a nonanatomic posterior medial meniscal root repair.

PubMed

LaPrade, Christopher M; Foad, Abdullah; Smith, Sean D; Turnbull, Travis Lee; Dornan, Grant J; Engebretsen, Lars; Wijdicks, Coen A; LaPrade, Robert F

2015-04-01

Posterior medial meniscal root tears have been reported to extrude with the meniscus becoming adhered posteromedially along the posterior capsule. While anatomic repair has been reported to restore tibiofemoral contact mechanics, it is unknown whether nonanatomic positioning of a meniscal root repair to a posteromedial location would restore the loading profile of the knee joint. The purpose of this study was to compare the tibiofemoral contact mechanics of a nonanatomic posterior medial meniscal tear with that of the intact knee or anatomic repair. It was hypothesized that a nonanatomic root repair would not restore the tibiofemoral contact pressures and areas to that of the intact or anatomic repair state. Controlled laboratory study. Tibiofemoral contact mechanics were recorded in 6 male human cadaveric knee specimens (average age, 45.8 years) using pressure sensors. Each knee underwent 5 testing conditions for the posterior medial meniscal root: (1) intact knee; (2) root tear; (3) anatomic transtibial pull-out repair; (4) nonanatomic transtibial pull-out repair, placed 5 mm posteromedially along the edge of the articular cartilage; and (5) root tear concomitant with an ACL tear. Knees were loaded with a 1000-N axial compressive force at 4 flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°), and contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure were calculated. Contact area was significantly lower after nonanatomic repair than for the intact knee at all flexion angles (mean = 44% reduction) and significantly higher for anatomic versus nonanatomic repair at all flexion angles (mean = 27% increase). At 0° and 90°, and when averaged across flexion angles, the nonanatomic repair significantly increased mean contact pressures in comparison to the intact knee or anatomic repair. When averaged across flexion angles, the peak contact pressures after nonanatomic repair were significantly higher than the intact knee but not the anatomic repair. In contrast, when averaged across all flexion angles, the anatomic repair resulted in a 17% reduction in contact area and corresponding increases in mean and peak contact pressures of 13% and 26%, respectively, compared with the intact knee. For most testing conditions, the nonanatomic repair did not restore the contact area or mean contact pressures to that of the intact knee or anatomic repair. However, the anatomic repair produced near-intact contact area and resulted in relatively minimal increases in mean and peak contact pressures compared with the intact knee. Results emphasize the importance of ensuring an anatomic posterior medial meniscal root repair by releasing the extruded menisci from adhesions and the posteromedial capsule. Similar caution toward preventing displacement of the meniscal root repair construct should be emphasized. © 2015 The Author(s).

Distribution of Longitudinal Wave Velocities in Bovine Cortical Bone in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamato, Yu; Kataoka, Hideo; Matsukawa, Mami; Yamazaki, Kaoru; Otani, Takahiko; Nagano, Akira

2005-06-01

The distribution of longitudinal wave velocities and longitudinal moduli in a bovine femoral cortical bone was experimentally investigated. In all parts of the long cylindrical bone, the velocities and longitudinal moduli in the axial direction were the highest. In the anterior (A) part, the velocities in the axial direction were high and almost constant, whereas the velocities in the proximal postero medial (PM) and distal postero lateral (PL) parts markedly decreased. Classifying the cortical bone into three structures (plexiform, Haversian, and porotic), we clarify the velocity distributions in the bone with discussion from an anatomical point of view.

Determining the neural substrates of goal-directed learning in the human brain.

PubMed

Valentin, Vivian V; Dickinson, Anthony; O'Doherty, John P

2007-04-11

Instrumental conditioning is considered to involve at least two distinct learning systems: a goal-directed system that learns associations between responses and the incentive value of outcomes, and a habit system that learns associations between stimuli and responses without any link to the outcome that that response engendered. Lesion studies in rodents suggest that these two distinct components of instrumental conditioning may be mediated by anatomically distinct neural systems. The aim of the present study was to determine the neural substrates of the goal-directed component of instrumental learning in humans. Nineteen human subjects were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they learned to choose instrumental actions that were associated with the subsequent delivery of different food rewards (tomato juice, chocolate milk, and orange juice). After training, one of these foods was devalued by feeding the subject to satiety on that food. The subjects were then scanned again, while being re-exposed to the instrumental choice procedure (in extinction). We hypothesized that regions of the brain involved in goal-directed learning would show changes in their activity as a function of outcome devaluation. Our results indicate that neural activity in one brain region in particular, the orbitofrontal cortex, showed a strong modulation in its activity during selection of a devalued compared with a nondevalued action. These results suggest an important contribution of orbitofrontal cortex in guiding goal-directed instrumental choices in humans.

Googling in Anatomy Education: Can Google Trends Inform Educators of National Online Search Patterns of Anatomical Syllabi?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phelan, Nigel; Davy, Shane; O'Keeffe, Gerard W.; Barry, Denis S.

2017-01-01

The role of e-learning platforms in anatomy education continues to expand as self-directed learning is promoted in higher education. Although a wide range of e-learning resources are available, determining student use of non-academic internet resources requires novel approaches. One such approach that may be useful is the Google Trends© web…

A Retrospective Survival Analysis of Anatomic and Prognostic Stage Group Based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition Cancer Staging Manual in Luminal B Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-negative Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Xu, Ling; Li, Jiang-Hong; Ye, Jing-Ming; Duan, Xue-Ning; Cheng, Yuan-Jia; Xin, Ling; Liu, Qian; Zhou, Bin; Liu, Yin-Hua

2017-08-20

Current understanding of tumor biology suggests that breast cancer is a group of diseases with different intrinsic molecular subtypes. Anatomic staging system alone is insufficient to provide future outcome information. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) expert panel updated the 8th edition of the staging manual with prognostic stage groups by incorporating biomarkers into the anatomic stage groups. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data from our center in China using the anatomic and prognostic staging system based on the AJCC 8th edition staging manual. We reviewed the data from January 2008 to December 2014 for cases with Luminal B Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer in our center. All cases were restaged using the AJCC 8th edition anatomic and prognostic staging system. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the survival differences between different subgroups. SPSS software version 19.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for the statistical analyses. This study consisted of 796 patients with Luminal B HER-negative breast cancer. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of 769 Stage I-III patients was 89.7%, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) of all 796 patients was 91.7%. Both 5-year DFS and 5-year OS were significantly different in the different anatomic and prognostic stage groups. There were 372 cases (46.7%) assigned to a different group. The prognostic Stage II and III patients restaged from anatomic Stage III had significant differences in 5-year DFS (χ2 = 11.319, P= 0.001) and 5-year OS (χ2 = 5.225, P= 0.022). In addition, cases restaged as prognostic Stage I, II, or III from the anatomic Stage II group had statistically significant differences in 5-year DFS (χ2 = 6.510, P= 0.039) but no significant differences in 5-year OS (χ2 = 5.087, P= 0.079). However, the restaged prognostic Stage I and II cases from anatomic Stage I had no statistically significant differences in either 5-year DFS (χ2 = 0.440, P= 0.507) or 5-year OS (χ2 = 1.530, P= 0.216). The prognostic staging system proposed in the AJCC 8th edition refines the anatomic stage group in Luminal B HER2-negative breast cancer and will lead to a more personalized approach to breast cancer treatment.

Visible Human 2.0--the next generation.

PubMed

Ratiu, Peter; Hillen, Berend; Glaser, Jack; Jenkins, Donald P

2003-01-01

The National Library of Medicine has initiated the development of new anatomical methods and techniques for the acquisition of higher resolution data sets, aiming to address the anatomical artifacts encountered in the development of the Visible Human Male and Female and to insure enhanced detection of structures, providing data in greater depth and breadth. Given this framework, we acquired a complete data set of the head and neck. CT and MR scans were also obtained with registration hardware inserted prior to imaging. The arterial and venous systems were injected with colorized araldite-F. After freezing, axial cryosectioning and digital photography at 147 microns/voxel resolution was performed. Two slabs of the specimen were acquired with a special tissue harvesting technique. The resulting tissue slices of the whole specimen were stained for different tissue types. The resulting histological material was then scanned at a 60x magnification using the Virtual Slice technology at 2 microns/pixel resolution (each slide approximately 75,000 x 100,000 pixels). In this data set, for the first time anatomy is presented as a continuum from a radiologic granularity of 1 mm/voxel, to a macroscopic resolution of .147 mm/voxel, to microscopic resolution of 2 microns/pixel. The hiatus between gross anatomy and histology has been assumed insurmountable, and until the present time this gap was bridged by extrapolating findings on minute samples. The availability of anatomical data with the fidelity presented will render it possible to perform a seamless study of whole organs at a cellular level and provide a testbed for the validation of histological estimation techniques. A future complete Visible Human created from data acquired at a cellular resolution, aside from its daunting size, will open new possibilities in multiple directions in medical research and simulation.

Epidemiology of Injuries in Women Playing Competitive Team Bat-or-Stick Sports: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Panagodage Perera, Nirmala Kanthi; Joseph, Corey; Kemp, Joanne Lyn; Finch, Caroline Frances

2018-03-01

Team bat-or-stick sports, including cricket, softball and hockey, are popular among women. However, little is known about the injury profile in this population. The aim was to describe the incidence, nature and anatomical location of injuries in bat-or-stick sports played by women in a competitive league. This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42015026715). CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus were systematically searched from January 2000 to September 2016, inclusive. Peer-reviewed original research articles reporting the incidence, nature and anatomical location of injuries sustained by women aged 18 + years in competitive bat-or-stick sports were included. Two meta-analyses based on injury incidence proportions (injury IP) and injury rates per 1000 person-days of athletic exposure (AE) were performed. A total of 37 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, and five had low risk of bias. The weighted injury IP was 0.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.45]. The weighted injury rate was 6.12 (95% CI 6.05-6.18) overall, and greater in games [15.79 (95% CI 15.65-15.93)] than in practice [3.07 (95% CI 2.99-3.15)]. The ankle was the most commonly injured anatomical location, followed by the hand (including wrist and fingers), knee and head. Soft tissue and ligament injuries were most common types of injuries. Injury prevention in women's sports is a novel and emerging field of research interest. This review highlights that injury incidence is high among female bat-or-stick players, but little information is known about direct causal mechanisms. This review clearly establishes the need for enhancements to injury data collection. Without this information, it will not be possible to develop evidence-based injury prevention interventions.

A multi-segment foot model based on anatomically registered technical coordinate systems: method repeatability in pediatric feet.

PubMed

Saraswat, Prabhav; MacWilliams, Bruce A; Davis, Roy B

2012-04-01

Several multi-segment foot models to measure the motion of intrinsic joints of the foot have been reported. Use of these models in clinical decision making is limited due to lack of rigorous validation including inter-clinician, and inter-lab variability measures. A model with thoroughly quantified variability may significantly improve the confidence in the results of such foot models. This study proposes a new clinical foot model with the underlying strategy of using separate anatomic and technical marker configurations and coordinate systems. Anatomical landmark and coordinate system identification is determined during a static subject calibration. Technical markers are located at optimal sites for dynamic motion tracking. The model is comprised of the tibia and three foot segments (hindfoot, forefoot and hallux) and inter-segmental joint angles are computed in three planes. Data collection was carried out on pediatric subjects at two sites (Site 1: n=10 subjects by two clinicians and Site 2: five subjects by one clinician). A plaster mold method was used to quantify static intra-clinician and inter-clinician marker placement variability by allowing direct comparisons of marker data between sessions for each subject. Intra-clinician and inter-clinician joint angle variability were less than 4°. For dynamic walking kinematics, intra-clinician, inter-clinician and inter-laboratory variability were less than 6° for the ankle and forefoot, but slightly higher for the hallux. Inter-trial variability accounted for 2-4° of the total dynamic variability. Results indicate the proposed foot model reduces the effects of marker placement variability on computed foot kinematics during walking compared to similar measures in previous models. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Googling in anatomy education: Can google trends inform educators of national online search patterns of anatomical syllabi?

PubMed

Phelan, Nigel; Davy, Shane; O'Keeffe, Gerard W; Barry, Denis S

2017-03-01

The role of e-learning platforms in anatomy education continues to expand as self-directed learning is promoted in higher education. Although a wide range of e-learning resources are available, determining student use of non-academic internet resources requires novel approaches. One such approach that may be useful is the Google Trends © web application. To determine the feasibility of Google Trends to gain insights into anatomy-related online searches, Google Trends data from the United States from January 2010 to December 2015 were analyzed. Data collected were based on the recurrence of keywords related to head and neck anatomy generated from the American Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Anatomical Society suggested anatomy syllabi. Relative search volume (RSV) data were analyzed for seasonal periodicity and their overall temporal trends. Following exclusions due to insufficient search volume data, 29 out of 36 search terms were analyzed. Significant seasonal patterns occurred in 23 search terms. Thirty-nine seasonal peaks were identified, mainly in October and April, coinciding with teaching periods in anatomy curricula. A positive correlation of RSV with time over the 6-year study period occurred in 25 out of 29 search terms. These data demonstrate how Google Trends may offer insights into the nature and timing of online search patterns of anatomical syllabi and may potentially inform the development and timing of targeted online supports to ensure that students of anatomy have the opportunity to engage with online content that is both accurate and fit for purpose. Anat Sci Educ 10: 152-159. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

A systematic review of variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

PubMed

Ling, Xing Yao; Smoll, Nicolas Roydon

2016-01-01

With thyroid cancer fast becoming one of the most common endocrine cancers, the frequency of thyroid surgery has increased. A common and debilitating concern with thyroid surgery is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis leading to glottal obstruction and airway compromise. A systematic review regarding the anatomical variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was performed to determine the position of anatomical variants of the RLN in relation to the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) as well as the prevalence of nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN). MEDLINE, Web of Science, MEDITEXT, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect. Databases were searched using the search terms "inferior thyroid artery," "recurrent laryngeal nerve," "nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve," and "anatomical variation." The reference sections of the articles found were searched for additional reports. The references of all articles were searched to find articles missed in the database search. A total of 8,655 RLN sides were included in this study. One thousand eight hundred and thirteen (20.95%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.09, 2,182) showed a Type A configuration of RLN in relation to the ITA, 2,432 (28.10%; 95% CI 27.15, 29.06) showed a Type B configuration and 4,410 (50.95%; 95% CI 49.89, 52.01) showed a Type C configuration between the RLN and the ITA. The second search returned with 38,568 recurrent laryngeal sides and only 221 (0.57%; 95%CI 0.5, 0.65) NRLN documented. The RLN is most commonly found in the posterior position, relative to the ITA. The incidence of the NRLN is low, only occurring in 0.57% of people. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The case of Robert Herrlinger: a unique postwar controversy on the ethics of the anatomical use of bodies of the executed during National Socialism.

PubMed

Hildebrandt, Sabine

2013-01-01

Historical evidence shows that German anatomists used bodies of executed victims of the National Socialist (NS) regime for anatomical purposes. However, there has been little direct information on these anatomists' thoughts and motivations, and a public discussion of their activities and ethics only started in the late 1980s. The present study documents a unique postwar controversy surrounding the promotion of the anatomist and medical historian Robert Herrlinger at the university of Würzburg in the late 1950s. This intramural debate had originally been mentioned by Goetz Aly in 1987. Herrlinger's files record his career as a representative of the discipline of medical history at the university of Würzburg from 1951 to 1960. He never worked there as an active anatomist. When the university senate applied for his appointment as full professor in 1957, the internist Ernst Wollheim, the pediatrician Joseph Ströder, and the psychiatrist Heinrich Scheller strongly opposed this move in a dissenting opinion based on Herrlinger's anatomical work on bodies of executed NS-victims. They claimed that he lacked the moral prerequisites required in a teacher of medical ethics. A highly controversial debate followed and was remarkable for addressing most of the questions of the ethical and political attitudes and responsibilities of anatomists in NS-Germany that are still being discussed today and are relevant for modern anatomy. It was also significant that Wollheim, Ströder and Scheller objected to Herrlinger in his role as a medical historian, not as an anatomist. The senate finally rejected the dissenting opinion and Herrlinger was promoted. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of chest radiography for positioning of the umbilical venous catheter.

PubMed

Guimarães, Adriana F M; Souza, Aline A C G de; Bouzada, Maria Cândida F; Meira, Zilda M A

To evaluate the accuracy of the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks - diaphragm, cardiac silhouette, and vertebral bodies - in determining the position of the umbilical venous catheter distal end using echocardiography as a reference standard. This was a cross-sectional, observational study, with the prospective inclusion of data from all neonates born in a public reference hospital, between April 2012 and September 2013, submitted to umbilical venous catheter insertion as part of their medical care. The position of the catheter distal end, determined by the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks, was compared with the anatomical position obtained by echocardiography; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated. Of the 162 newborns assessed by echocardiography, only 44 (27.16%) had the catheter in optimal position, in the thoracic portion of the inferior vena cava or at the junction of the inferior vena cava with the right atrium. The catheters were located in the left atrium and interatrial septum in 54 (33.33%) newborns, in the right atrium in 26 (16.05%), intra-hepatic in 37 (22.84%), and intra-aortic in-one newborn (0.62%). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the radiography to detect the catheter in the target area were 56%, 71%, and 67.28%, respectively. Anteroposterior radiography of the chest alone is not able to safely define the umbilical venous catheter position. Echocardiography allows direct visualization of the catheter tip in relation to vascular structures and, whenever possible, should be considered to identify the location of the umbilical venous catheter. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.