Regional distribution prevalence of heterotopic ossification in the elbow joint: a 3D study of patients after surgery for traumatic elbow injury

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow fracture surgery and can lead to severe upper extremity disability. The radiographic localization of postoperative HO has been reported previously. However, there is no literature examining the distribution of postoperative HO at the three-dimensional (3D) level. This study aimed to investigate 1) the distribution characteristics of postoperative HO and 2) the possible risk factors affecting the severity of postoperative HO at a 3D level.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who presented to our institution with HO secondary to elbow fracture between 13 January 2020 and 16 February 2023. Computed tomography scans of 56 elbows before elbow release surgery were reconstructed in 3D. HO was identified using density thresholds combined with manual identification and segmentation. The elbow joint and HO were divided into six regions according to three planes: the transepicondylar plane, the lateral ridge of the trochlear plane, and the radiocapitellar joint and coronoid facet plane. The differences in the volume of regional HO associated with different initial injuries were analyzed.

RESULTS

Postoperative HO was predominantly present in the medial aspect of the capsule in 52 patients (93%), in the lateral aspect of the capsule in 45 patients (80%), in the medial supracondylar in 32 patients (57%), and in the lateral supracondylar, radial head, and ulnar region in the same number of 28 patients (50%). The median and interquartile range volume of total postoperative HO was 1683 (777-4894) mm3. The median and interquartile range volume of regional postoperative HO were: 584 (121-1454) mm3 at medial aspect of capsule, 207 (5-568) mm3 at lateral aspect of capsule, 25 (0-449) mm3 at medial supracondylar, 1 (0-288) at lateral supracondylar, 2 (0-478) at proximal radius and 7 (0-203) mm3 at the proximal ulna. In the subgroups with Injury Severity Score > or = 16, Gustilo-Anderson II, normal uric acid levels, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and body mass index > or = 24, the median HO volume exceeds that of the respective control groups.

CONCLUSION

The medial aspect of the capsule was the area with the highest frequency and median volume of postoperative HO among all initial elbow injury types. Patients with higher Gustilo-Anderson grade, Injury Severity Score, alkaline phosphatase or Body Mass Index had higher median volume of postoperative HO.

2D Materials Nanoarchitectonics for 3D Structures/Functions

It has become clear that superior material functions are derived from precisely controlled nanostructures. This has been greatly accelerated by the development of nanotechnology. The next step is to assemble materials with knowledge of their nano-level structures. This task is assigned to the post-nanotechnology concept of nanoarchitectonics. However, nanoarchitectonics, which creates intricate three-dimensional functional structures, is not always easy. Two-dimensional nanoarchitectonics based on reactions and arrangements at the surface may be an easier target to tackle. A better methodology would be to define a two-dimensional structure and then develop it into a three-dimensional structure and function. According to these backgrounds, this review paper is organized as follows. The introduction is followed by a summary of the three issues; (i) 2D to 3D dynamic structure control: liquid crystal commanded by the surface, (ii) 2D to 3D rational construction: a metal-organic framework (MOF) and a covalent organic framework (COF); (iii) 2D to 3D functional amplification: cells regulated by the surface. In addition, this review summarizes the important aspects of the ultimate three-dimensional nanoarchitectonics as a perspective. The goal of this paper is to establish an integrated concept of functional material creation by reconsidering various reported cases from the viewpoint of nanoarchitectonics, where nanoarchitectonics can be regarded as a method for everything in materials science.

A Cloud Detection Method for Vertically Pointing Millimeter-Wavelength Cloud Radar

A new method using three dimensions of cloud continuity, including range dimension, Doppler dimension, and time dimension, is proposed to discriminate cloud from noise and detect more weak cloud signals in vertically pointing millimeter-wave cloud radar observations by fully utilizing the spatiotemporal continuum of clouds. A modified noise level estimation method based on the Hildebrand and Sekhon algorithm is used for more accurate noise level estimation, which is critical for weak signals. The detection method consists of three steps. The first two steps are performed at the Doppler power spectrum stage, while the third step is performed at the base data stage. In the first step, a new adaptive spatial filter combined with the Kuwaraha filter and the Gaussian filter, using the ratio of mean to standard deviation as the adaptive parameter, is applied to initially mask the potential cloud signals to improve the detection performance at the boundary of cloud and noise. Simulations of boundary cases were performed to compare our adaptive filter and normal Gaussian filters. Box filters are used in steps two and three to remove the remaining noise. We applied our method to cloud radar observations with TJ-II cloud radar at the Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. The results showed that our method can detect more weak cloud signals than the usual methods, which are performed only at the Doppler power spectrum stage or the base data stage.

Three-Dimensional Pore Structure Characterization of Bituminous Coal and Its Relationship with Adsorption Capacity

Bituminous coal reservoirs exhibit pronounced heterogeneity, which significantly impedes the production capacity of coalbed methane. Therefore, obtaining a thorough comprehension of the pore characteristics of bituminous coal reservoirs is essential for understanding the dynamic interaction between gas and coal, as well as ensuring the safety and efficiency of coal mine production. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the pore structure and surface roughness of six bituminous coal samples (1.19% < Ro,max < 2.55%) using various atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Firstly, we compared the microscopic morphology obtained through low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP-N2-GA) and AFM. It was observed that LP-N2-GA provides a comprehensive depiction of various pore structures, whereas AFM only allows the observation of V-shaped and wedge-shaped pores. Subsequently, the pore structure analysis of the coal samples was performed using Threshold and Chen's algorithms at ×200 and ×4000 magnifications. Our findings indicate that Chen's algorithm enables the observation of a greater number of pores compared to the Threshold algorithm. Moreover, the porosity obtained through the 3D algorithm is more accurate and closely aligns with the results from LP-N2-GA analysis. Regarding the effect of magnification, it was found that ×4000 magnification yielded a higher number of pores compared to ×200 magnification. The roughness values (Rq and Ra) obtained at ×200 magnification were 5-14 times greater than those at ×4000 magnification. Interestingly, despite the differences in magnification, the difference in porosity between ×200 and ×4000 was not significant. Furthermore, when comparing the results with the HP-CH4-GA experiment, it was observed that an increase in Ra and Rq values positively influenced gas adsorption, while an increase in Rsk and Rku values had an unfavorable effect on gas adsorption. This suggests that surface roughness plays a crucial role in gas adsorption behavior. Overall, the findings highlight the significant influence of different methods on the evaluation of pore structure. The 3D algorithm and ×4000 magnification provide a more accurate description of the pore structure. Additionally, the variation in 3D surface roughness was found to be related to coal rank and had a notable effect on gas adsorption.

Vision in the Vertical Axis: How Important Are Visual Cues in Foraging and Navigation?

In both terrestrial and aquatic environments, a large number of animal behaviors rely on visual cues, with vision acting as the dominant sense for many fish. However, many other streams of information are available, and multiple cues may be incorporated simultaneously. Being free from the constraints of many of their terrestrial counterparts, fish have an expanded range of possible movements typified by a volume rather than an area. Cues such as hydrostatic pressure, which relates to navigation in a vertical plane, may provide more salient and reliable information to fish as they are not affected by poor light conditions or turbidity. Here, we tested banded tetra fish (Astyanax fasciatus) in a simple foraging task in order to determine whether visual cues would be prioritized over other salient information, most notably hydrostatic pressure gradients. We found that in both vertical and horizontal arrays there was no evidence for fish favoring one set of cues over the other, with subjects making choices at random once cues were placed into conflict. Visual cues remained as important in the vertical axis as they were in the horizontal axis.

Tissue clearing and 3D reconstruction of digitized, serially sectioned slides provide novel insights into pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The clinical hallmarks of this disease include abdominal pain that radiates to the back, the presence of a hypoenhancing intrapancreatic lesion on imaging, and widespread liver metastases. Technologies such as tissue clearing and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of digitized serially sectioned hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides can be used to visualize large (up to 2- to 3-centimeter cube) tissues at cellular resolution. When applied to human pancreatic cancers, these 3D visualization techniques have provided novel insights into the basis of a number of the clinical characteristics of this disease. Here, we describe the clinical features of pancreatic cancer, review techniques for clearing and the 3D reconstruction of digitized microscope slides, and provide examples that illustrate how 3D visualization of human pancreatic cancer at the microscopic level has revealed features not apparent in 2D microscopy and, in so doing, has closed the gap between bench and bedside. Compared with animal models and 2D microscopy, studies of human tissues in 3D can reveal the difference between what can happen and what does happen in human cancers.

Computer-Aided Assessment of Three-Dimensional Standard Bone Morphology of the Distal Radius

The present study attempted to define the three-dimensional (3D) locations of reference points and standard measures of the distal radius of a normal wrist joint. One hundred wrists from 50 males and 50 females who matched the age distribution (19−95 years old, mean: 56.0 years old) were evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) images of normal wrist joints acquired for comparison with the affected side were used. The absence of a previous history and complaints in the unaffected wrist was confirmed in an interview and with medical records. Three-dimensional images of the distal radius were reconstructed using the data obtained from CT scans. The site at which the major axis of the radial diaphysis contacted the distal radius joint surface was defined as the origin. The 3D coordinates of reference points for the radial styloid process (1), sigmoid notch volar edge (2), and sigmoid notch dorsal edge (3) as well as the barycenter for the joint surface and joint surface area were evaluated. A slope of the line connecting coordinates 1−2 in the coronal plane was evaluated as the 3D radial inclination (3DRI) and that connecting coordinates 2−3 in the sagittal plane as the 3D palmar tilt (3DPT). Each measurement value was compared between males and females. The positions of each reference point from the origin were as follows: (1) 14.2 ± 1.3/12.6 ± 1.1 mm for the distal-palmar-radial position; (2) 19.3 ± 1.3/16.9 ± 1.3 mm for the proximal-palmar-ulnar position; (3) 15.6 ± 1.4/14.1 ± 0.9 mm for the proximal-dorsal-ulnar position; and (barycenter) 4.1 ± 0.7/3.7 ± 0.7 mm for the proximal-volar-ulnar position for males and females, respectively. The areas of the radius articular surface were 429.0 ± 67.9/347.6 ± 44.6 mm2 for males and females, respectively. The 3DRI and 3DPT were 24.2 ± 4.0/25.7 ± 3.1° and 10.9 ± 5.1/13.2 ± 4.4° for males and females, respectively. Significant differences were observed in all measurement values between males and females (p < 0.01). The reference points and measured values obtained in the present study will serve as criteria for identifying the dislocation direction and reduction conditions of distal radius fractures in 3D images.

Three-dimensional tracking using a single-spot rotating point spread function created by a multiring spiral phase plate

SIGNIFICANCE

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and object tracking is critical for medical and biological research and can be achieved by multifocal imaging with diffractive optical elements (DOEs) converting depth ( z ) information into a modification of the two-dimensional image. Physical insight into DOE designs will spur this expanding field.

AIM

To precisely track microscopic fluorescent objects in biological systems in 3D with a simple low-cost DOE system.

APPROACH

We designed a multiring spiral phase plate (SPP) generating a single-spot rotating point spread function (SS-RPSF) in a microscope. Our simple, analytically transparent design process uses Bessel beams to avoid rotational ambiguities and achieve a significant depth range. The SPP was inserted into the Nomarski prism slider of a standard microscope. Performance was evaluated using fluorescent beads and in live cells expressing a fluorescent chromatin marker.

RESULTS

Bead localization precision was < 25    nm in the transverse dimensions and ≤ 70    nm along the axial dimension over an axial range of 6    μ m . Higher axial precision ( ≤ 50    nm ) was achieved over a shallower focal depth of 2.9    μ m . 3D diffusion constants of chromatin matched expected values.

CONCLUSIONS

Precise 3D localization and tracking can be achieved with a SS-RPSF SPP in a standard microscope with minor modifications.

English Phrase Learning With Multimodal Input

Although multimodal input has the potential to lead to more sound learning outcomes, it carries the risk of causing cognitive overload, making it difficult to determine the exact effects of multimodal input on the second language (L2) phrase learning. This study tests the efficacy of multimodal input on L2 phrase learning. It adopts a mixed-method approach by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. The experimental design is a 2 × 3 mixed model, with a group [the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG)] as the between-subject factor and time (pretest, midtest, and posttest) as the within-subject factor. A total of 66 participants were divided into two groups. All materials incorporated three aspects of phrase knowledge (form, meaning, and use), but the materials of the CG were unimodal in that they were offered only on paper, and of the EG were multimodal in that they included pictures, audio recordings, and video clips. After the treatment, a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were given to the EG learners to explore their perceptions of using multimodal materials to learn L2 phrases. The results indicate that both groups had significant gains in learning phrases, but students with the multimodal input achieved significantly better results than those with the unimodal input. Moreover, the EG students had a generally positive attitude toward the use of multimodal resources. This study validates the efficacy of multimodal input on the acquisition of English phrases and shows that cognitive overload was avoided by sequencing the information.

Effects of three-dimensional soil heterogeneity and species composition on plant biomass and biomass allocation of grass-mixtures

Soil heterogeneity significantly affects plant dynamics such as plant growth and biomass. Most studies developed soil heterogeneity in two dimensions, i.e. either horizontally or vertically. However, soil heterogeneity in natural ecosystems varies both horizontally and vertically, i.e. in three dimensions. Previous studies on plant biomass and biomass allocation rarely considered the joint effects of soil heterogeneity and species composition. Thus, to investigate such joint effects on plant biomass and biomass allocation, a controlled experiment was conducted, where three levels of soil heterogeneity and seven types of species compositions were applied. Such soil heterogeneity was developed by filling nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor substrates in an alternative pattern in pots with different patch sizes (small, medium or large), and species compositions was achieved by applying three plant species (i.e. Festuca elata, Bromus inermis, Elymus breviaristatus) in all possible combinations (growing either in monoculture or in mixtures). Results showed that patch size significantly impacted plant biomass and biomass allocation, which differed among plant species. Specially, at the pot scale, with increasing patch size, shoot biomass decreased, while root biomass and R:S ratio increased, and total biomass tended to show a unimodal pattern, where the medium patch supported higher total biomass. Moreover, at the substrate scale, more shoot biomass and total biomass were found in nutrient-rich substrate. Furthermore, at the community scale, two of the three target plant species growing in monoculture had more shoot biomass than those growing together with other species. Thus, our results indicate soil heterogeneity significantly affected plant biomass and biomass allocation, which differ among plant species, though more research is needed on the generalization on biomass allocation. We propose that soil heterogeneity should be considered more explicitly in studies with more species in long-term experiments.

Ultra-Structural Imaging Provides 3D Organization of 46 Chromosomes of a Human Lymphocyte Prophase Nucleus

Three dimensional (3D) ultra-structural imaging is an important tool for unraveling the organizational structure of individual chromosomes at various stages of the cell cycle. Performing hitherto uninvestigated ultra-structural analysis of the human genome at prophase, we used serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) to understand chromosomal architectural organization within 3D nuclear space. Acquired images allowed us to segment, reconstruct, and extract quantitative 3D structural information about the prophase nucleus and the preserved, intact individual chromosomes within it. Our data demonstrate that each chromosome can be identified with its homolog and classified into respective cytogenetic groups. Thereby, we present the first 3D karyotype built from the compact axial structure seen on the core of all prophase chromosomes. The chromosomes display parallel-aligned sister chromatids with familiar chromosome morphologies with no crossovers. Furthermore, the spatial positions of all 46 chromosomes revealed a pattern showing a gene density-based correlation and a neighborhood map of individual chromosomes based on their relative spatial positioning. A comprehensive picture of 3D chromosomal organization at the nanometer level in a single human lymphocyte cell is presented.

Estimation of Three-Dimensional Lower Limb Kinetics Data during Walking Using Machine Learning from a Single IMU Attached to the Sacrum

Kinetics data such as ground reaction forces (GRFs) are commonly used as indicators for rehabilitation and sports performance; however, they are difficult to measure with convenient wearable devices. Therefore, researchers have attempted to estimate accurately unmeasured kinetics data with artificial neural networks (ANNs). Because the inputs to an ANN affect its performance, they must be carefully selected. The GRF and center of pressure (CoP) have a mechanical relationship with the center of mass (CoM) in the three dimensions (3D). This biomechanical characteristic can be used to establish an appropriate input and structure of an ANN. In this study, an ANN for estimating gait kinetics with a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) was designed; the kinematics of the IMU placed on the sacrum as a proxy for the CoM kinematics were applied based on the 3D spring mechanics. The walking data from 17 participants walking at various speeds were used to train and validate the ANN. The estimated 3D GRF, CoP trajectory, and joint torques of the lower limbs were reasonably accurate, with normalized root-mean-square errors (NRMSEs) of 6.7% to 15.6%, 8.2% to 20.0%, and 11.4% to 24.1%, respectively. This result implies that the biomechanical characteristics can be used to estimate the complete three-dimensional gait data with an ANN model and a single IMU.

Development of a New 3D Hybrid Model for Epithelia Morphogenesis

Many epithelial developmental processes like cell migration and spreading, cell sorting, or T1 transitions can be described as planar deformations. As such, they can be studied using two-dimensional tools and vertex models that can properly predict collective dynamics. However, many other epithelial shape changes are characterized by out-of-plane mechanics and three-dimensional effects, such as bending, cell extrusion, delamination, or invagination. Furthermore, during planar cell dynamics or tissue repair in monolayers, spatial intercalation between the apical and basal sides has even been detected. Motivated by this lack of symmetry with respect to the midsurface, we here present a 3D hybrid model that allows us to model differential contractility at the apical, basal or lateral sides. We use the model to study the effects on wound closure of solely apical or lateral contractile contributions and show that an apical purse-string can be sufficient for full closure when it is accompanied by volume preservation.

Characterization of Thermal Damage Due to Two-Temperature High-Order Thermal Lagging in a Three-Dimensional Biological Tissue Subjected to a Rectangular Laser Pulse

The use of lasers and thermal transfers on the skin is fundamental in medical and clinical treatments. In this paper, we constructed and applied bioheat transfer equations in the context of a two-temperature heat conduction model in order to discuss the three-dimensional variation in the temperature of laser-irradiated biological tissue. The amount of thermal damage in the tissue was calculated using the Arrhenius integral. Mathematical difficulties were encountered in applying the equations. As a result, the Laplace and Fourier transform technique was employed, and solutions for the conductive temperature and dynamical temperature were obtained in the Fourier transform domain.

Relevance of 3D virtual planning in predicting bony interferences between distal and proximal fragments after sagittal split osteotomy

After sagittal split osteotomy, the mandibular distal and proximal fragments do not always align themselves passively to one another, resulting in bony interferences and subsequent anomalous settlement of the condyles. Predicting these interferences could be an important ancillary procedure for avoiding intra- and postoperative surgical complications, rendering orthognathic surgery more effective and safer. This study evaluated the relevance of virtual surgical planning in assessing the displacement of the proximal segments after virtual distal segment repositioning, for predicting bony interferences between the segments and thus avoiding related intra- and postoperative surgical complications. The presence of interferences between the distal and proximal segments was compared between virtually predicted (computer-assisted simulation surgery, Dolphin software) and real cases in 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with dentofacial deformities who underwent orthognathic surgery with mandibular repositioning (using a short lingual osteotomy (SLO)). The results indicated that clockwise rotation of the mandible was the mandibular movement most prone to segment interference. Furthermore, virtual planning was sensitive (100%) but had low specificity (51.6%) in predicting proximal and distal segment interferences. This low specificity was due to the software-based automated design of the mandibular osteotomy, where the length of the distal segment was longer than the real SLO, and the mandibular ramus sagittal split was located just behind Spix's spine. Thus, more precise simulated osteotomies are needed to further validate the accuracy of virtual planning for this purpose.

A novel method to visualise the three-dimensional organisation of the human cerebral cortical vasculature

Current tissue-clearing protocols for imaging in three dimensions (3D) are typically applied to optimally fixed, small-volume rodent brain tissue - which is not representative of the tissue found in diagnostic neuropathology laboratories. We present a method to visualise the cerebral cortical vasculature in 3D in human post-mortem brain tissue which had been preserved in formalin for many years. Tissue blocks of cerebral cortex from two control cases, two Alzheimer's brains and two cases from Alzheimer's patients immunised against Aβ₄₂ were stained with fluorescent Lycopersicon esculentum agglutinin (Tomato lectin), dehydrated and cleared using an adapted three-dimensional imaging of solvent cleared organs (3DISCO) protocol to visualise the vascular endothelium. Tissue was imaged using light sheet and confocal microscopy and reconstructed in 3D using amira software. The method permits visualisation of the arrangement of the parallel penetrating cortical vasculature in the human brain. The presence of four vascular features including anastomosis, U-shaped vessels, spiralling and loops were revealed. In summary, we present a low cost and simple method to visualise the human cerebral vasculature in 3D compatible with prolonged fixation times (years), allowing study of vascular involvement in a range of normative and pathological states.

Matching methods evaluation framework for stereoscopic breast x-ray images

Three-dimensional (3-D) imaging has been intensively studied in the past few decades. Depth information is an important added value of 3-D systems over two-dimensional systems. Special focuses were devoted to the development of stereo matching methods for the generation of disparity maps (i.e., depth information within a 3-D scene). Dedicated frameworks were designed to evaluate and rank the performance of different stereo matching methods but never considering x-ray medical images. Yet, 3-D x-ray acquisition systems and 3-D medical displays have already been introduced into the diagnostic market. To access the depth information within x-ray stereoscopic images, computing accurate disparity maps is essential. We aimed at developing a framework dedicated to x-ray stereoscopic breast images used to evaluate and rank several stereo matching methods. A multiresolution pyramid optimization approach was integrated to the framework to increase the accuracy and the efficiency of the stereo matching techniques. Finally, a metric was designed to score the results of the stereo matching compared with the ground truth. Eight methods were evaluated and four of them [locally scaled sum of absolute differences (LSAD), zero mean sum of absolute differences, zero mean sum of squared differences, and locally scaled mean sum of squared differences] appeared to perform equally good with an average error score of 0.04 (0 is the perfect matching). LSAD was selected for generating the disparity maps.