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Introduction: Crocodilians have significant ecological, conservational, and economic roles. They are also commonly raised for commercial purposes and kept as zoological specimens. Although ultrasonography has been used in zoological contexts for health assessments of crocodilians, published studies on a detailed ultrasonography protocol and ultrasonographic anatomy are lacking. This study aimed to establish a standardized ultrasonography protocol and pictorial reference of the ultrasonographic appearances of the coelomic organs of crocodilians. Methods: A total of 7 crocodilians comprising 4 different species were included in this study. The crocodilians were manually restrained and underwent a non-contrasted and contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by an ultrasonography (USG) examination. Ultrasound fusion imaging technique enabled greater confidence in establishing a clear organ localization and correlation between modalities by visualizing the same anatomy from the same view angle. Results: The heart, caudal vena cava, liver, fat body (steatotheca), spleen, stomach, duodenal loops, pancreas, kidneys, testes, ovaries and cloaca were visualized in all species. Longitudinal and transverse images of the coelomic structures were acquired when possible. The ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic organs, including transducer positioning, acoustic window and approach, shape, size, marginations, and echo pattern were documented. Discussion: The findings of this study provided a useful ultrasonographic protocol and anatomical reference of the coelomic organs in crocodilians. Invaluable insights into the practicality and adequacy of ultrasonography in evaluating the coelomic structures of crocodilians as part of health assessment and disease diagnosis were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The C4 is the transition point between the upper and lower cervical vertebrae and plays a pivotal role in the middle of the cervical spine. Currently, there are limited reports on large‐scale sample studies regarding C4 anatomy in children, and a scarcity of experience exists in pediatric cervical spine surgery. The current study addresses the dearth of anatomical measurements of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in a substantial sample of children. This study aims to measure the imaging anatomy of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in children under 14 years of age across various age groups, investigate the growth and development of these structures. Methods: We measured 12 indicators, including the size (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8) and angle (A, C, D, and E) of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass, in 513 children who underwent cervical CT examinations at our hospital. We employed the aggregate function for statistical analysis, conducted t‐tests for difference statistics, and utilized the least squares method for regression analysis. Results: Overall, as age increased, there was a gradual increase in the size of the vertebral arch and lateral mass. Additionally, the medial inclination angle of the vertebral arch decreased, and the lateral mass flattened gradually. The rate of change decreased gradually with age. The mean value of D1 increased from 2.31 mm to 3.88 mm, of D2 from 16.75 mm to 29.2 mm, of D3 from 2.21 mm to 4.92 mm, and of D4 from 7.34 mm to 11.84 mm. Meanwhile, the mean value of D5 increased from 5.2 mm to 9.71 mm, of D6 from 10.19 mm to 16.16 mm, of D7 from 2.53 mm to 5.67 mm, and of D8 from 6.11 mm to 11.45 mm. Angle A ranged from 49.12° to 54.97°, angle C from 15.28° to 19.83°, angle D from 39.91° to 53.7°, and angle E from 18.63° to 28.08°. Conclusion: Prior to cervical spine surgery in children, meticulous CT imaging anatomical measurements is essential. The imaging data serves as a reference for posterior C4 internal fixation, aids in designing posterior cervical screws for pediatric patients, and offer morphological anatomical references for posterior cervical spine surgery and screw design in pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The C4 is the transition point between the upper and lower cervical vertebrae and plays a pivotal role in the middle of the cervical spine. Currently, there are limited reports on large‐scale sample studies regarding C4 anatomy in children, and a scarcity of experience exists in pediatric cervical spine surgery. The current study addresses the dearth of anatomical measurements of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in a substantial sample of children. This study aims to measure the imaging anatomy of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass in children under 14 years of age across various age groups, investigate the growth and development of these structures. Methods We measured 12 indicators, including the size (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8) and angle (A, C, D, and E) of the C4 vertebral arch and lateral mass, in 513 children who underwent cervical CT examinations at our hospital. We employed the aggregate function for statistical analysis, conducted t‐tests for difference statistics, and utilized the least squares method for regression analysis. Results Overall, as age increased, there was a gradual increase in the size of the vertebral arch and lateral mass. Additionally, the medial inclination angle of the vertebral arch decreased, and the lateral mass flattened gradually. The rate of change decreased gradually with age. The mean value of D1 increased from 2.31 mm to 3.88 mm, of D2 from 16.75 mm to 29.2 mm, of D3 from 2.21 mm to 4.92 mm, and of D4 from 7.34 mm to 11.84 mm. Meanwhile, the mean value of D5 increased from 5.2 mm to 9.71 mm, of D6 from 10.19 mm to 16.16 mm, of D7 from 2.53 mm to 5.67 mm, and of D8 from 6.11 mm to 11.45 mm. Angle A ranged from 49.12° to 54.97°, angle C from 15.28° to 19.83°, angle D from 39.91° to 53.7°, and angle E from 18.63° to 28.08°. Conclusion Prior to cervical spine surgery in children, meticulous CT imaging anatomical measurements is essential. The imaging data serves as a reference for posterior C4 internal fixation, aids in designing posterior cervical screws for pediatric patients, and offer morphological anatomical references for posterior cervical spine surgery and screw design in pediatric patients.

IntroductionCrocodilians have significant ecological, conservational, and economic roles. They are also commonly raised for commercial purposes and kept as zoological specimens. Although ultrasonography has been used in zoological contexts for health assessments of crocodilians, published studies on a detailed ultrasonography protocol and ultrasonographic anatomy are lacking. This study aimed to establish a standardized ultrasonography protocol and pictorial reference of the ultrasonographic appearances of the coelomic organs of crocodilians.MethodsA total of 7 crocodilians comprising 4 different species were included in this study. The crocodilians were manually restrained and underwent a non-contrasted and contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by an ultrasonography (USG) examination. Ultrasound fusion imaging technique enabled greater confidence in establishing a clear organ localization and correlation between modalities by visualizing the same anatomy from the same view angle.ResultsThe heart, caudal vena cava, liver, fat body (steatotheca), spleen, stomach, duodenal loops, pancreas, kidneys, testes, ovaries and cloaca were visualized in all species. Longitudinal and transverse images of the coelomic structures were acquired when possible. The ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic organs, including transducer positioning, acoustic window and approach, shape, size, marginations, and echo pattern were documented.DiscussionThe findings of this study provided a useful ultrasonographic protocol and anatomical reference of the coelomic organs in crocodilians. Invaluable insights into the practicality and adequacy of ultrasonography in evaluating the coelomic structures of crocodilians as part of health assessment and disease diagnosis were also discussed.

BACKGROUND: One-hole split endoscope technique has been widely used in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, but there is no relevant literature on the safety analysis of this technique in the treatment of upper lumbar disc herniation.OBJECTIVE:To observe the position relationship of nerve roots, intervertebral space and bone landmarks in the upper lumbar spine by three-dimensional lumbar CT reconstruction technology, and to provide a basis for the clinical ope ration of one-hole split endoscope surgery. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with upper lumbar disc herniation underwent a lumbar CT scan.Mimics 17.0 software was imported to measure the related imaging paramete rs of L1/2 to L3/4 segments: (1) Measurement of vertical distance:In coronal view, the distance (a) from the intersection point of the medial facet of the superior articular process and the superior endplate (N) to the apex of the articular process (S); in the coronal view, the distance (b) from the sagittal intersection (M) of N and the inferior endplate to the apex of the inferior articular process (X). (2) Measured horizontal distance: the distance (c)between the cross-section of N and the lower edge of the outlet nerve root (N2);distance (d) between the cross-section of N and the intersection point of neural tissue (N1);N1 to N2 distance (e); distance (f) between the cross-section of M and the lateral edge of the nerve tissue (M1); M to M cross-section and exit nerve root intersection (M2) distance (g); distance (h) from M1 to M2;distance (i) from M2 to N1; distance (j) from the posterior edge of the articular surface (R)to M2 in sagittal view of the superior articular process.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) With the decrease of the segment, the distances a and b gradually increased, and the distance j gradually decreased. There was no significant difference between L1/2 and L2/3 segments (P＞ 0.05). (2) With the decrease of the segment, distance d first decreased and then increased; distance f gradually decreased;distances c, e, g, h and i gradually increased;and there was no significant difference between L2/3 and L3/4 segments (P＞ 0.05). (3) Distance i was the shortest distance without pulling nerve roots in the natural state, and the area of the safety zone was between four points M1, M2, N1, and N2. The bone was removed to the upper and lower endplates by biting the bone downward and upward through S and X, respectively, to expose the intervertebral space, and the window of distance g to M2 could be opened outward to avoid injury of the outlet nerve roots. (4) In conclusion, the upper lumbar vertebrae have unique anatomical characteristics. Based on the relevant measurements of nerve roots, spinal dura and intervertebral space, the parameters of the one-hole split endoscope technique are more accurate and safe during operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to provide diagnostic imaging data on rabbit prostate complex by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to their use in morphological investigations of the gland. Six anaesthetised sexually mature clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits, 8 months of age, with body weight 2.83.2 kg were used. The pelvic cavity and pelvic organs were investigated in the sagittal, dorsal and transversal planes from the 7th lumbar (L7) to the 1st coccygeal (C1) vertebra with 2-mm slice thickness using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5T tunnel MRI scanner. The prostate com-plex (proprostate, prostate and paraprostate parts) demonstrated signal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images. The prostate capsule was hyperintense compared to glandular parenchyma. The prostate complex was visualised on slices between the caudal part of the first sacral and cranial part of the third sacral vertebrae. The prostate part signal was hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI images. The shape of the prostate complex in dorsal view was craniocaudally elongated, oval and localised bilate¬rally from prostatic urethra in ventrodorsal view. The transverse T2 image of the pelvis through the 2nd sacral vertebra delineated the prostate part of the gland as a bilateral bilobed oval structure with hypointense parenchyma, embraced by a hyperintense capsule. The intrapelvic localisation and the shape of MRI image of healthy rabbit prostate complex is a species-specific morphological feature. The signal hyperintensity of rabbit prostate complex was higher on T2-weighted images. The T2 hy-perintensity of prostate part vs hypointensity of proprostate and paraprostate parts provide evidence for the presence of substantial amount of glandular elements, presuming a dominating role of prostate part in the secretory function of the glandular complex.

The eyelids, external nose, and lips play an important role in individual identification and facial recognition; however, they are excluded from tissue marker points, and are reconstructed based on generic methods for 3D facial reconstruction or facial approximation. Therefore, this study focused on nasal dimensions and evaluated whether Krogman’s widely used formula for estimating the dimensions of an external nose, regardless of sex, race, and body physique, can be applied to Japanese adults. A total of 146 postmortem CT images of Japanese adult cadavers (64 males and 82 females, aged 58–105 years old) were retrospectively analyzed. The total nasal projection (TNP) among Japanese adults was estimated using the formula, TNP = 1.9 × the anterior nasal spine projection (ANSP) + the mid-philtrum depth (MPD), which differed significantly from the coefficient (3.0) in the conventional formula, regardless of sex, race, and body physique, and therefore needed modification for Asians. Although there was no positive relationship between the total nasal width (TNW) and the maximum width of the anterior nasal aperture (ANAW), the TNW could be estimated by adding soft tissue that varies by sex and body physique to both sides of the nearly constant ANAW. Therefore, we determined a simple and practical formula to estimate nasal dimensions among Japanese adults for conventional 3D facial reconstruction and manual 3D facial sculpture.

The aim of the study was to provide diagnostic imaging data on rabbit prostate complex by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with regard to their use in morphological investigations of the gland. Six anaesthetised sexually mature clinically healthy New Zealand White rabbits, 8 months of age, with body weight 2.8x3.2 kg were used. The pelvic cavity and pelvic organs were investigated in the sagittal, dorsal and transversal planes from the 7th lumbar (L7) to the 1st coccygeal (C1) vertebra with 2-mm slice thickness using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5T tunnel MRI scanner. The prostate complex (proprostate, prostate and paraprostate parts) demonstrated signal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MRI images. The prostate capsule was hyperintense compared to glandular parenchyma. The prostate complex was visualised on slices between the caudal part of the first sacral and cranial part of the third sacral vertebrae. The prostate part signal was hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI images. The shape of the prostate complex in dorsal view was craniocaudally elongated, oval and localised bilaterally from prostatic urethra in ventrodorsal view. The transverse T2 image of the pelvis through the 2nd sacral vertebra delineated the prostate part of the gland as a bilateral bilobed oval structure with hypointense parenchyma, embraced by a hyperintense capsule. The intrapelvic localisation and the shape of MRI image of healthy rabbit prostate complex is a species-specific morphological feature. The signal hyperintensity of rabbit prostate complex was higher on T2-weighted images. The T2 hyperintensity of prostate part vs hypointensity of proprostate and paraprostate parts provide evidence for the presence of substantial amount of glandular elements, presuming a dominating role of prostate part in the secretory function of the glandular complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the techniques and indications of upper sacroiliac screw fixation for the dysmorphic sacrum. Methods The dysmorphic sacra were selected from 267 three-dimensional pelvic models. The dysmorphic sacra which couldn’t accommodate a 7.3 mm upper trans ilio-sacroiliac screw were classified as the main dysmorphic sacra. Then, the size of the bone corridor, the length of the screw in the corridor, and the orientation of the screw were measured. The insertion point on the sacrum was identified by two bone landmarks. Results totally, 30.3% of sacra were identified as the main dysmorphic sacra. The inclinations of the screw oriented from posterior to anterior were (21.80 ± 3.56)° for males and (19.97 ± 3.02)° for females (p

Summary: The vascular system is a multi-scale network whose functionality depends on its structure, and for which structural alterations can be linked to pathological shifts. Though biologists use multiple 3D imaging techniques to visualize vascular networks, the 3D image processing methodologies remain sources of biases, and the extraction of quantitative morphometric descriptors remains flawed. The article, first, reviews the current 3D image processing methodologies, and morphometric descriptors of vascular network images mainly obtained by light-sheet microscopy on optically cleared organs, found in the literature. Second, it proposes operator-independent segmentation and skeletonization methodologies using the freeware ImageJ. Third, it gives more extractable network-level (density, connectivity, fractal dimension) and segment-level (length, diameter, tortuosity) 3D morphometric descriptors and how to statistically analyze them. Thus, it can serve as a guideline for biologists using 3D imaging techniques of vascular networks, allowing the production of more comparable studies in the future.

The eyelids, external nose, and lips play an important role in individual identification and facial recognition; however, they are excluded from tissue marker points, and are reconstructed based on generic methods for 3D facial reconstruction or facial approximation. Therefore, this study focused on nasal dimensions and evaluated whether Krogman's widely used formula for estimating the dimensions of an external nose, regardless of sex, race, and body physique, can be applied to Japanese adults. A total of 146 postmortem CT images of Japanese adult cadavers (64 males and 82 females, aged 58–105 years old) were retrospectively analyzed. The total nasal projection (TNP) among Japanese adults was estimated using the formula, TNP = 1.9 × the anterior nasal spine projection (ANSP) + the mid-philtrum depth (MPD), which differed significantly from the coefficient (3.0) in the conventional formula, regardless of sex, race, and body physique, and therefore needed modification for Asians. Although there was no positive relationship between the total nasal width (TNW) and the maximum width of the anterior nasal aperture (ANAW), the TNW could be estimated by adding soft tissue that varies by sex and body physique to both sides of the nearly constant ANAW. Therefore, we determined a simple and practical formula to estimate nasal dimensions among Japanese adults for conventional 3D facial reconstruction and manual 3D facial sculpture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a chronic benign fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar and digital fasciae. It is characterized by formation of nodules and fibrous cords that may eventually lead to contractures with permanent flexion of the finger joints. Correction of the flexion contractures in advanced disease is still performed by open limited fasciectomy; ultrasonography (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment is preferred for early disease. We provide an overview of the detailed anatomy of the palmar aponeurosis and the structures that may be involved in DD. Although magnetic resonance imaging is used as the gold standard, these small anatomical structures are often better visible on US. We describe two new morphological signs due to thickening of these small structures in patients with DD: the tardigrade sign and the manifold sign. Familiarity with detailed imaging anatomy and these new imaging signs of DD will help confirm a correct and early diagnosis and distinguish this disease from various other entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the techniques and indications of upper sacroiliac screw fixation for the dysmorphic sacrum. Methods: The dysmorphic sacra were selected from 267 three-dimensional pelvic models. The dysmorphic sacra which couldn't accommodate a 7.3 mm upper trans ilio-sacroiliac screw were classified as the main dysmorphic sacra. Then, the size of the bone corridor, the length of the screw in the corridor, and the orientation of the screw were measured. The insertion point on the sacrum was identified by two bone landmarks. Results: totally, 30.3% of sacra were identified as the main dysmorphic sacra. The inclinations of the screw oriented from posterior to anterior were (21.80 ± 3.56)° for males and (19.97 ± 3.02)° for females (p < 0.001), and from caudal to cranial were (29.97 ± 5.38)° for males and (28.15 ± 6.21)° for females (p = 0.047). The min diameters of the corridor were (16.31 ± 2.40) mm for males and (15.07 ± 1.58) mm for females (p < 0.001). The lengths of the screw in the Denis III zone were (14.41 ± 4.40) mm for males and (14.09 ± 5.04) mm for females (p = 0.665), and in the Denis II+III zones were (36.25 ± 3.40) mm for males and (38.04 ± 4.60) mm for females (p = 0.005). The rates of LP-PSIS/LAIIS-PSIS were (0.36 ± 0.04) for males and (0.32 ± 0.03) for females (t = 4.943, p < 0.001). The lengths of LPM were (8.81 ± 5.88) for males and (-4.13 ± 6.33) for females (t = 13.434, p < 0.001). Conclusion: When the sacrum has the features of "sacrum not recessed" and/or "acute alar slope", the conventional trans ilio-sacroiliac screw couldn't be placed safely. The inclination oriented from posterior to anterior and from caudal to cranial are approximately 20° and 30°, respectively. The bone insertion point locates in the rear third of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the posterior superior iliac spine. The sacroiliac screw is not recommended to fix the fractures in Denis III zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The transverse Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of rabbit bulbourethral glands has achieved detailed anatomical information. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has so far been similar in both sequences in the dorsal MRI of bulbourethral glands. The sagittal MRI of the glands has demonstrated a variety of anatomical contrast independent of the image plane. Rabbit accessory sex glands have been evaluated as suitable biological objects to demonstrate the effect of the application of imaging and diagnostic protocols to investigate the reproductive morphology and pathology of animals. The obtained imaging information by MRI could be used for the differentiation of the studied glands from adjacent soft tissue structures in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. Recently MRI has been involved as a relatively new and dynamically developing imaging method for the diagnostics of the urogenital system in different animal species. It is essential to obtain detailed anatomic data that are necessary for the interpretation of imaging findings. Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper describes the development of a deep learning model for prediction of hip fractures on pelvic radiographs (X-rays). Developed using over 40,000 pelvic radiographs from a single institution, the model demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when applied to a test set of emergency department radiographs. This study approximates the real-world application of a deep learning fracture detection model by including radiographs with sub-optimal image quality, other non-hip fractures, and metallic implants, which were excluded from prior published work. The study also explores the effect of ethnicity on model performance, as well as the accuracy of visualization algorithm for fracture localization.

PurposeTo quantify peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) and the factors that influence it in healthy participants who represent the racial and ethnic composition of the U.S. population.MethodsA total of 362 healthy participants underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) enhanced depth imaging of the optic nerve head with a 24 radial B-scan pattern aligned to the fovea to Bruch's membrane opening axis. Bruch's membrane, anterior scleral canal opening (ASCO), and the anterior scleral surface were manually segmented. PCT was measured at 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, and 1100 μm from the ASCO globally and within 12 clock-hour sectors. The effects of age, axial length, intraocular pressure, ethnicity, sex, sector, and ASCO area on PCT were assessed by ANOVA and univariable and multivariable regressions.ResultsGlobally, PCT was thicker further from the ASCO border and thinner with older age, longer axial length, larger ASCO area, European descent, and female sex. Among these effectors, age and axial length explained the greatest proportion of variance. The rate of age-related decline increased further from the ASCO border. Sectorally, the inferior-temporal sectors were thinnest (10.7%-20.0% thinner than the thickest sector) and demonstrated a higher rate of age-related loss (from 15.6% to 20.7% faster) at each ASCO distance.ConclusionsIn healthy eyes, PCT was thinnest in the inferior temporal sectors and thinner PCT was associated with older age, European descent, longer axial length, larger ASCO area, and female sex. Among these associations, age had the strongest influence, and its effect was greatest within the inferior temporal sectors.

Abstract Background Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is one of the most widely used lumbar interbody fusion procedures in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to minimize the incidence rate of surgical complications by measuring the anatomical parameters of structures surrounding the working channels of OLIF with 3D COSMIC sequence. Methods The MRI examination included conventional MRI sequence and 3D COSMIC sequence. Surgical window, psoas thickness, the transverse diameter of the endplate, and nerve distance were measured to evaluate the anatomical characteristics surrounding the OLIF working channels. Results The widths of the natural surgical window at the level of the L2–3, L3–4, and L4–5 intervertebral measured in this study were 16.25 ± 4.22, 15.46 ± 4.64 mm, and 11.71 ± 6.29 mm, respectively. The average thickness of the left psoas major muscle at the level of L2–3, L3–4, and L4–5 intervertebral space was 28.42 ± 5.08 mm, 30.76 ± 5.84 mm, and 31.16 ± 7.72 mm, respectively. The mean value of insertion angle (β) was 45.57° ± 6.19° in L2–3 intervertebral space, 49.90° ± 6.53° in L3–4 intervertebral space, and 43.34° ± 8.88° in L4–5 intervertebral space. Conclusions The 3D COSMIC sequences can be used for imaging anatomical assessment before OLIF surgery. In preoperative planning, the 3D COSMIC sequence can be used to measure the relevant parameters mentioned above to optimize the planned surgical approach.

Summary: The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans.

Summary: The neocortex mediates information processing through highly organized circuitry that contains various neuron types. Distinct populations of projection neurons in different cortical regions and layers make specific connections and participate in distinct physiological functions. Herein, with the fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) and transgenetic mice that targeted intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons at specific layers, we dissected the long-range connectome of pyramidal neurons in six subregions of the sensorimtor cortex. The distribution of the input neurons indicated that IT and PT neurons in the same region received information from similar regions, while the neurons in different subregions received from the preferred neuron populations. Both the input and projection areas of these six subregions showed the transverse and longitudinal correspondence in the cortico-cortical, cortico-thalamic, and cortico-striatal circuits, which indicated that the connections were topologically organized. This study provides a comprehensive resource on the anatomical connections of cortical circuits.

Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality which can be used to study the anatomy and morphology of live or deceased animals in-situ. In cetaceans, existing CT anatomy studies mostly focused on the head and thoracic regions. Using postmortem CT (PMCT) scans of Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides), this study describes the cross-sectional imaging anatomy of the cetacean abdomino-pelvic organs for the first time. PMCT scans of finless porpoises stranded in Hong Kong waters were reviewed, of which two freshly dead cases, one male and one female, were selected for illustration. In addition, a contrast-enhanced PMCT scan was performed on the female subject as a trial for a PMCT-angiography study (PMCTA) in cetaceans. A total of 18 axial PMCT images were acquired at selected vertebral levels in the abdomen and supplemented with a series of corresponding labeled anatomical diagrams. By applying different image rendering techniques, most osseous and soft tissue structures in the finless porpoise abdomen were successfully depicted and annotated on PMCT, including the male and female reproductive organs in the pelvic region. The application of contrast medium in PMCT created artificial radiodensity differences which improved the ability to visualize and differentiate soft organs and vasculature. The merits and limitations of CT compared to other imaging modalities, as well as the future directions of PMCT in stranding investigation, were discussed. The findings from this study significantly enhance the applications of CT in cetaceans by assisting researchers and veterinarians in the interpretation of cetacean abdomino-pelvic CT for morphological and pathological assessment during clinical or postmortem examination. • Understanding the normal abdomino-pelvic topography in cetaceans is important. • Computed tomography assists abdomino-pelvic anatomical studies and postmortem assessments in stranded cetacean. • Addition of angiography with PMCT (PMCTA) is essential to enhance the contrast between abdomino-pelvic structures and organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background No study has assessed the feasibility and safety of cervical pedicle screw implantation in patients with vertebral artery dominance (VAD), a common vertebral artery (VA) variation which can increase VA injury (VAI) risk. This study was to assess morphological characteristics of the subaxial cervical pedicles and surrounding critical structures, and identify their correlations in patients with VAD. Methods Computed tomography arteriography scans of 152 patients were used for retrospectively measuring parameters including pedicle outer width (POW), the distance from the lateral pedicle border to the closest part of VA (DPVA), diameter of VA (DVA), area of VA (AVA), area of transverse foramen (ATF) and occupational ratio of transverse foramen (TF). Moreover, correlations among some critical parameters were assessed. Results One hundred eight males and 44 females, with a mean age of 55.9 years were included. POW was smaller on the dominant side than on the non-dominant side, whereas DPVA, DVA, AVA, ATF, and TF were larger on the dominant side than those on the non-dominant side. On both sides, POW

Background and Objective: There is currently a lack of anatomical research on the C7 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years, and experience with pediatric lower cervical spine surgeries remains limited. This study aims to investigate the anatomical structure of the C7 pedicle and lateral mass in a large pediatric sample to understand their growth patterns, providing imaging and anatomical references for pediatric lower cervical spine surgeries and the design of pediatric C7 screws., Methods: We measured 12 parameters, including the width, length, height, and angles of the C7 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years. The t-test was used to analyze bilateral and gender differences, and least squares regression was applied for curve fitting analysis., Results: The size parameters of the C7 pedicle and lateral mass generally increased with age, while angular parameters fluctuated within specific ranges. The average values for each parameter between ages 0-14 were as follows: D1: 2.78-5.28 mm, D2: 18.15-30.54 mm, D3: 2.44-6.01 mm, angle A: 38.05-44.48°; D4: 6.81-10.94 mm, D5: 5.37-11.23 mm, D6: 8.07-13.28 mm, D7: 1.94-4.88 mm, D8: 5.67-9.39 mm, angle C: 18.50-28.80°, angle D: 43.23-52.01°, angle E: 33.74-44.96°. Bilateral analysis showed no significant differences for most parameters across most age groups, with differences mainly observed in angle A, angle C, D6, and D8. Gender differences were primarily noted in length parameters across different age groups, especially in the 3-4, 6-7, 9-11, and 13-14 age groups. Regression analysis indicated that most parameters followed cubic function curves, while a few followed power or quadratic function curves., Conclusion: This study provides detailed CT imaging anatomy of the C7 pedicle and lateral mass in children aged 0-14 years. Preoperative thin-slice CT scans and careful measurements of key parameters are essential for pediatric lower cervical spine surgeries. The findings offer valuable imaging and anatomical references for pediatric posterior cervical fixation surgery and screw design., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest No conflict of interest exits in the submission of this manuscript, and manuscript is approved by all authors for publication. I would like to declare that the work described was original research that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Background: Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is one of the most widely used lumbar interbody fusion procedures in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to minimize the incidence rate of surgical complications by measuring the anatomical parameters of structures surrounding the working channels of OLIF with 3D COSMIC sequence. Methods: The MRI examination included conventional MRI sequence and 3D COSMIC sequence. Surgical window, psoas thickness, the transverse diameter of the endplate, and nerve distance were measured to evaluate the anatomical characteristics surrounding the OLIF working channels. Results: The widths of the natural surgical window at the level of the L2–3, L3–4, and L4–5 intervertebral measured in this study were 16.25 ± 4.22, 15.46 ± 4.64 mm, and 11.71 ± 6.29 mm, respectively. The average thickness of the left psoas major muscle at the level of L2–3, L3–4, and L4–5 intervertebral space was 28.42 ± 5.08 mm, 30.76 ± 5.84 mm, and 31.16 ± 7.72 mm, respectively. The mean value of insertion angle (β) was 45.57° ± 6.19° in L2–3 intervertebral space, 49.90° ± 6.53° in L3–4 intervertebral space, and 43.34° ± 8.88° in L4–5 intervertebral space. Conclusions: The 3D COSMIC sequences can be used for imaging anatomical assessment before OLIF surgery. In preoperative planning, the 3D COSMIC sequence can be used to measure the relevant parameters mentioned above to optimize the planned surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Over 11% of the world’s population experience hearing loss. Although there are promising studies to restore hearing in rodent models, the size, ontogeny, genetics, and frequency range of hearing of most rodents’ cochlea do not match that of humans. The porcine cochlea can bridge this gap as it shares many anatomical, physiological, and genetic similarities with its human counterpart. Here, we provide a detailed methodology to process and image the porcine cochlea in 3D using tissue clearing and light-sheet microscopy. The resulting 3D images can be employed to compare cochleae across different ages and conditions, investigate the ontogeny of cochlear cytoarchitecture, and produce quantitative expression maps of LGR5, a marker of cochlear progenitors in mice. These data reveal that hair cell organization, inner ear morphology, cellular cartography in the organ of Corti, and spatiotemporal expression of LGR5 are dynamic over developmental stages in a pattern not previously documented.

Anatomical MRI is appropriate for the interpretation of soft tissue findings in the retroperitoneal part of the pelvic cavity. The aim of the current study was to use rabbits as an imaging model to optimize MRI protocols for the investigation of bulbourethral glands. The research was conducted on twelve clinically healthy, sexually mature male rabbits, eight months of age (New Zealand White), weighing 2.8 kg to 3.2 kg. Tunnel MRI equipment was used. The transverse MRI in the T2-weighted sequence obtained detailed images that were of higher anatomical contrast than those in T1-weighted sequences. The hyperintensity of the glandular findings at T2, compared to the adjacent soft tissues, was due to the content of secretory fluids. The quality of the anatomical tissue contrast has not shown much dependence on the choice of the sequence in dorsal MRI. The sagittal visualization of the rabbit bulbourethral glands corresponded to the localization of the research plane toward a median plane. The imaging results could be used as a morphological base for clinical practice and reproduction.

Background: No study has assessed the feasibility and safety of cervical pedicle screw implantation in patients with vertebral artery dominance (VAD), a common vertebral artery (VA) variation which can increase VA injury (VAI) risk. This study was to assess morphological characteristics of the subaxial cervical pedicles and surrounding critical structures, and identify their correlations in patients with VAD.Methods: Computed tomography arteriography scans of 152 patients were used for retrospectively measuring parameters including pedicle outer width (POW), the distance from the lateral pedicle border to the closest part of VA (DPVA), diameter of VA (DVA), area of VA (AVA), area of transverse foramen (ATF) and occupational ratio of transverse foramen (TF). Moreover, correlations among some critical parameters were assessed.Results: One hundred eight males and 44 females, with a mean age of 55.9 years were included. POW was smaller on the dominant side than on the non-dominant side, whereas DPVA, DVA, AVA, ATF, and TF were larger on the dominant side than those on the non-dominant side. On both sides, POW < 4 mm and POW + DPVA < 5 mm were observed most frequently at C3 and C4. On both sides, POW was correlated to ATF, and ATF was correlated to DVA and AVA. DPVA was correlated to ATF on the dominant side.Conclusion: Patients with VAD exhibited smaller POW on the dominant side, most frequently at C3 and C4. Dominant VA may indirectly affect POW. TF may be a key determinant of DPVA and POW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is frequently used as a laboratory animal, satisfactory data about the imaging anatomical appearance of its adrenal glands, such as their anatomical location and closeness with other abdominal soft tissue and vessels, are important. The aim of this study to determine anatomical features of the chinchilla adrenal gland’s using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Materials, Methods & Results: We used 12 chinchillas (6 males and 6 females), aged 18 months. The animals were in supine recumbency when contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed. Transverse, sagittal and dorsal images of the adrenal glands were obtained with iodinated contrast medium, and 3D reconstruction of the obtained images was applied. The craniocaudal (CrCc - length), dorsoventral (DV - height) and lateromedial (LM - width) diameters were measured using an electronic calliper. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and coronal T1-weighted images were obtained. The transverse CT anatomical image at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra demonstrated the location of the both adrenal glands in accordance with the grey-white scale’s variation. The right adrenal gland was hypo-attenuated and elliptic compared to the right kidney and in close contact to it and to the caudal vena cava. The left adrenal gland was oval and at a distance to the abdominal aorta. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla’s abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed that both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs. Discussion: Post-contrasted CT defined the topography of both glands. The right adrenal gland has an oval shape and is cranially situated to the left gland, whose shape is cylindrical and elongated. The LM diameter of the right gland is higher than that measured in the left gland. Both DV and CrCc diameters of the right gland are lower compared to those of the left gland. The right adrenal gland is in close contact to the caudal vena cava, the right kidney and the liver, and the left adrenal gland is in a distance to the abdominal aorta. The right adrenal gland was close to the caudal vena cava and the right kidney and medially to the left kidney. The successful comparative analysis of the images in 3D reconstruction and post-contrast CT in 2D allowed us to conclude that 3D reconstruction is suitable to obtain detailed information in a summary form regarding the closeness of the glands and their shape, mainly because the results are in a real time and highly comprehensive. Our data are in in agreement with previous findings about the advantages of 3D reconstruction. The research algorithm applied was based on the dorsal visualization of the glands in T1-weighted sequence, achieving a comprehensive and high-quality MRI imaging of the examined organs in chinchillas. Both adrenal glands were retroperitoneal organs and with low signal. The dorsal MRI anatomical study of the chinchilla’s abdominal organs at a distance of 10 mm from the spine and in a T1-weighted sequence showed the whole profile of the right and left glands and the cranial position of the right gland to the left one, the close contact between the right gland and the kidney and the distance between the left gland and the left kidney. The MRI results are detailed and comprehensive for interpretation. In conclusion, the results of the present study are comprehensive, detailed and with high resolution. We present data for the anatomical relationships of the studied organs, their shape and macrometric parameters, concluding that the above mentioned modalities are very important tools for studying the chinchilla’s adrenal glands to create a morphological base, which is necessary to investigate specific diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: How changes in brain scaling relate to altered behavior is an important question in neurodevelopmental disorder research. Mice with germline Pten haploinsufficiency (Pten+/-) closely mirror the abnormal brain scaling and behavioral deficits seen in humans with macrocephaly/autism syndrome, which is caused by PTEN mutations. We explored whether deviation from normal patterns of growth can predict behavioral abnormalities. Brain regions associated with sensory processing (e.g., pons and inferior colliculus) had the biggest deviations from expected volume. While Pten+/- mice showed little or no abnormal behavior on most assays, both sexes showed sensory deficits, including impaired sensorimotor gating and hyporeactivity to high-intensity stimuli. Developmental analysis of this phenotype showed sexual dimorphism for hyporeactivity. Mapping behavioral phenotypes of Pten+/- mice onto relevant brain regions suggested abnormal behavior is likely when associated with relatively enlarged brain regions, while unchanged or relatively decreased brain regions have little predictive value.

Summary: The mammalian brain is organized over sizes that span several orders of magnitude, from synapses to the entire brain. Thus, a technique to visualize neural circuits across multiple spatial scales (multi-scale neuronal imaging) is vital for deciphering brain-wide connectivity. Here, we developed this technique by coupling successive light microscopy/electron microscopy (LM/EM) imaging with a glutaraldehyde-resistant tissue clearing method, ScaleSF. Our multi-scale neuronal imaging incorporates (1) brain-wide macroscopic observation, (2) mesoscopic circuit mapping, (3) microscopic subcellular imaging, and (4) EM imaging of nanoscopic structures, allowing seamless integration of structural information from the brain to synapses. We applied this technique to three neural circuits of two different species, mouse striatofugal, mouse callosal, and marmoset corticostriatal projection systems, and succeeded in simultaneous interrogation of their circuit structure and synaptic connectivity in a targeted way. Our multi-scale neuronal imaging will significantly advance the understanding of brain-wide connectivity by expanding the scales of objects.

Introduction: Radiologic interpretation is a skill necessary for all physicians to provide quality care for their patients. However, some medical students are not exposed to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) imaging manipulation until their third year during clinical rotations. The objective of this study is to evaluate how medical students exposed to DICOM manipulation perform on identifying anatomical structures compared to students who were not exposed., Methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study with 19 medical student participants organized into a test and control group. The test group consisted of first-year students who had been exposed to a new imaging anatomy curriculum (n = 9). The control group consisted of second-year students who had not had this experience (n = 10). The outcomes measured included quiz performance, self-reported confidence levels, and eye-tracking data., Results: Students in the test group performed better on the quiz compared to students in the control group (p = 0.03). Confidence between the test and control groups was not significantly different (p = 0.16), though a moderate to large effect size difference was noted (Hedges' g = 0.75). Saccade peak velocity and fixation duration between the groups were not significantly different (p = 0.29, p = 0.77), though a moderate effect size improvement was noted in saccade peak velocity for the test group (Hedges' g = 0.49)., Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the early introduction of DICOM imaging into a medical school curriculum does impact students' performance when asked to identify anatomical structures on a standardized quiz., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board issued approval (2022-086). The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board, Blacksburg, VA deemed this project exempt. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Worley et al.)

Objective: To have anatomic measurements of carotid artery bifurcation (CAB) with 64-spiral computed tomography angiography (64-SCTA), and provide anatomic basis for related research. Methods: Imaging data of 92 subjects (45 males, 47 females, the age range 20-82 years and mean age 48.4 ± 6.1 years) without pathology of CAB, who underwent 64-SCTA in head and neck from June 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010, were selected from the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems in Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian, China. On the 3D images, the angle and size of CAB were measured, and the statistical comparisons of measurements were made between the bilateral, sex and age groups. Results: The measurements of CAB were divided into young (= 40 years) and older (> 40 years) groups: bifurcation angle is 36.206° ± 10.210° and 49.343° ± 16.489°, respectively; the inner diameter of common carotid artery (CCA) is 6.820 ± 0.635 and 6.845 ± 0.838 mm, respectively; the proximal inner diameter of internal carotid artery (ICA) is 7.143 ± 0.992 and 7.476 ± 1.630 mm, of the enlargement is 7.568 ± 1.069 and 8.554 ± 1.733 mm, of the distal is 4.897 ± 0.508 and 5.123 ± 0.699 mm, respectively; the inner diameter of external carotid artery (ECA) is 4.324 ± 0.580 and 4.104 ± 0.638 mm, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in all the measurements between male and female groups, in the bifurcation angle, inner diameters of ICA and ECA between young and older groups, and in the bifurcation angle between the left and right (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A 64-SCTA with 3D image post-processing technique can clearly observe and show the CAB. All CAB measurements will provide the objective basis for applied anatomy, imaging diagnosis and surgery treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We developed and analyzed a single cell scale anatomical map of the rat intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) across four male and three female hearts. We find the ICNS has a reliable structural organizational plan across individuals that provide the foundation for further analyses of the ICNS in cardiac function and disease. The distribution of the ICNS was evaluated by 3D visualization and data-driven clustering. The pattern, distribution, and clustering of ICNS neurons across all male and female rat hearts is highly conserved, demonstrating a coherent organizational plan where distinct clusters of neurons are consistently localized. Female hearts had fewer neurons, lower packing density, and slightly reduced distribution, but with identical localization. We registered the anatomical data from each heart to a geometric scaffold, normalizing their 3D coordinates for standardization of common anatomical planes and providing a path where multiple experimental results and data types can be integrated and compared.

Summary: The fundamental morphology of the endometrial glands is not sufficiently understood by 2D observation because these glands have complicated winding and branching patterns. To construct a large picture of the endometrial gland structure, we performed tissue-clearing-based 3D imaging of human uterine endometrial tissue. Our 3D immunohistochemistry and layer analyses revealed that the endometrial glands form a plexus network in the stratum basalis and expand horizontally along the muscular layer, similar to the rhizome of grass. We then extended our method to assess the 3D morphology of tissue affected by adenomyosis, a representative “endometrium-related disease,” and observed its 3D morphological features, including the direct invasion of endometrial glands into the myometrium and an ant colony-like network of ectopic endometrial glands within the myometrium. Thus, further understanding of the morphology of the human endometrium based on 3D analysis will lead to the identification of the pathogenesis of endometrium-related diseases.

Summary: Azhdarchid pterosaurs, the largest flying vertebrates, remain poorly understood, with fundamental aspects of their palaeobiology unknown. X-ray computed tomography reveals a complex internal micro-architecture for three-dimensionally preserved, hyper-elongate cervical vertebrae of the Cretaceous azhdarchid pterosaur, Alanqa sp. Incorporation of the neural canal within the body of the vertebra and elongation of the centrum result in a “tube within a tube” supported by helically distributed trabeculae. Linear elastic static analysis and linearized buckling analysis, accompanied with a finite element model, reveal that as few as 50 trabeculae increase the buckling load by up to 90%, implying that a vertebra without the trabeculae is more prone to elastic instability due to axial loads. Subsuming the neural tube into the centrum tube adds considerable stiffness to the cervical series, permitting the uptake of heavy prey items without risking damage to the cervical series, while at the same time allowing considerable skeletal mass reduction.

Summary: The calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin and calbindin are expressed in neuronal populations regulating brain networks involved in spatial navigation, memory processes, and social interactions. Information about the numbers of these neurons across brain regions is required to understand their functional roles but is scarcely available. Employing semi-automated image analysis, we performed brain-wide analysis of immunohistochemically stained parvalbumin and calbindin sections and show that these neurons distribute in complementary patterns across the mouse brain. Parvalbumin neurons dominate in areas related to sensorimotor processing and navigation, whereas calbindin neurons prevail in regions reflecting behavioral states. We also find that parvalbumin neurons distribute according to similar principles in the hippocampal region of the rat and mouse brain. We validated our results against manual counts and evaluated variability of results among researchers. Comparison of our results to previous reports showed that neuron numbers vary, whereas patterns of relative densities and numbers are consistent.

Summary: Volume electron microscopy enables the ultrastructural analysis of biological tissue. Currently, the techniques involving ultramicrotomy (ATUM, ssTEM) allow large fields of view but afford only limited z-resolution, whereas ion beam-milling approaches (FIB-SEM) yield isotropic voxels but are restricted in volume size. Now we present a hybrid method, named ATUM-FIB, which combines the advantages of both approaches. ATUM-FIB is based on serial sectioning of tissue into “semithick” (2–10 μm) sections collected onto tape. Serial light and electron microscopy allows the identification of regions of interest that are then directly accessible for targeted FIB-SEM. The set of semithick sections thus represents a tissue “library” which provides three-dimensional context information that can be probed “on demand” by local high-resolution analysis. We demonstrate the potential of this technique to reveal the ultrastructure of rare but pathologically important events by identifying microglia contact sites with amyloid plaques in a mouse model of familial Alzheimer's disease.

Summary: We have developed and integrated several technologies including whole-organ imaging and software development to support an initial precise 3D neuroanatomical mapping and molecular phenotyping of the intracardiac nervous system (ICN). While qualitative and gross anatomical descriptions of the anatomy of the ICN have each been pursued, we here bring forth a comprehensive atlas of the entire rat ICN at single-cell resolution. Our work precisely integrates anatomical and molecular data in the 3D digitally reconstructed whole heart with resolution at the micron scale. We now display the full extent and the position of neuronal clusters on the base and posterior left atrium of the rat heart, and the distribution of molecular phenotypes that are defined along the base-to-apex axis, which had not been previously described. The development of these approaches needed for this work has produced method pipelines that provide the means for mapping other organs.

The vascular system is a multi-scale network whose functionality depends on its structure, and for which structural alterations can be linked to pathological shifts. Though biologists use multiple 3D imaging techniques to visualize vascular networks, the 3D image processing methodologies remain sources of biases, and the extraction of quantitative morphometric descriptors remains flawed. The article, first, reviews the current 3D image processing methodologies, and morphometric descriptors of vascular network images mainly obtained by light-sheet microscopy on optically cleared organs, found in the literature. Second, it proposes operator-independent segmentation and skeletonization methodologies using the freeware ImageJ. Third, it gives more extractable network-level (density, connectivity, fractal dimension) and segment-level (length, diameter, tortuosity) 3D morphometric descriptors and how to statistically analyze them. Thus, it can serve as a guideline for biologists using 3D imaging techniques of vascular networks, allowing the production of more comparable studies in the future., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

This paper describes the development of a deep learning model for prediction of hip fractures on pelvic radiographs (X-rays). Developed using over 40,000 pelvic radiographs from a single institution, the model demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when applied to a test set of emergency department radiographs. This study approximates the real-world application of a deep learning fracture detection model by including radiographs with sub-optimal image quality, other non-hip fractures, and metallic implants, which were excluded from prior published work. The study also explores the effect of ethnicity on model performance, as well as the accuracy of visualization algorithm for fracture localization., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

To apply the ultrasonic 3D reconstruction method to measure the anatomic image data of lacrimal sac in the normal adult Chinese population, providing imaging anatomical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal duct diseases. 80 volunteers without lacrimal duct diseases were enrolled. The GE Voluson E8 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus was used, with gynecological intracavitary probe (frequency: 5 ~ 12MHz) for the examination and measurement. Each datum was repeated three times for the average value. Among the 80 eyes, the lacrimal sacs of 74 eyes exhibited the clear imaging, with the imaging rate as 92.5 %. the vertical diameter of lacrimal sac cavity (LSC): 13.3±2.2 mm; anteroposterior diameter: 6.0±1.1 mm; trans diameter: 4.9±0.9 mm; the vertical distance from the sac cavity top to the skin surface: 6.3±0.12 mm, the vertical distance from the sac cavity bottom to the skin surface: 6.5±0.11 mm; the distance from the angular artery to the medial canthus: 7.8±0.05 mm; the vertical distance from the angular artery to the skin surface: 7.7±0.08 mm. The lacrimal sac and angular artery in the adults could be shown clearly in ultrasonic 3D reconstruction, the accumulated anatomical parameters could provide the instructive meanings towards the clinical diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The success of sacral nerve stimulation, a common treatment for pelvic floor disorders, depends on correct placement of the electrodes through the sacral foramina. When the bony anatomy and topography of the sacrum and sacral spinal nerves are intact, this is easily achieved; where sacral anomalies exist, it can be challenging. A better understanding of common sacral malformations can improve the success of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) electrode placement. Material and methods: We reviewed 998 consecutive MRI scans performed to investigate low back pain in patients who had undergone CT and/or X-ray. Results: Congenital sacral malformations were found in 24.1 %, the most common being sacral meningeal cysts (16 %) and spina bifida occulta (9.9 %). Others were lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (2.5 %), anterior occult meningocele (0.5 %), partial sacral agenesis (0.2 %) and vertebral dysplasia of S1 (0.2 %). Conclusion: This radiologic review uncovered a high incidence of sacral malformations, and most were asymptomatic. All surgeons who perform SNS should have a basic understanding of sacral malformations, their incidence and effect on foraminal anatomy. Imaging will aid procedural planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complete mesocolic excision provides a correct anatomical plane for colon cancer surgery. However, manifestation of the surgical plane during laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision versus in computed tomography images remains to be examined. Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan. The spatial relationship of the intraoperative surgical planes were examined, and then computed tomography reconstruction methods were applied. The resulting images were analyzed. Results: In 44 right-sided colon cancer patients, the surgical plane for laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision was found to be composed of three surgical planes that were identified by computed tomography imaging with cross-sectional multiplanar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection, and volume reconstruction. For the operations performed, the mean bleeding volume was 73 ± 32.3 ml and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 22 ± 9.7. The follow-up period ranged from 6-40 months (mean 21.2), and only two patients had distant metastases. Conclusions: The laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision surgical plane for right-sided colon cancer is composed of three surgical planes. When these surgical planes were identified, laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision was a safe and effective procedure for the resection of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]