Adverse effects of semicircular circle angles variation on Epley repositioning procedure: a study on reconstruction of Micro-CT images 3D

Abstract

Background: For patients with posterior semicircular canal (PSC) BPPV, Epley re-position maneuver and some improvement methods are the most efficient treatment methods. But there were still 9.43% patients who were not benefit from Epley re-position maneuver.

Objective: To measure the angles of semicircular canals and evaluate its effect on Epley maneuver.

Methods: Fifteen skull specimens, containing 30 temporal bone specimens were included. After Micro-CT scanning, 3D reconstruction was loaded with the CT image. The angles between each semicircular canal and each standard skull plane were measured. Furthermore, the angles’ effect on Epley maneuver was evaluated according to the three-dimension (3D) model.

Results: Angles of PSC plane: Frankfurt plane was 71.54?±?6.51, sagittal plane was 53.77?±?5.36°, and the coronal plane was 43.33?±?3.56°. Angles between PSC and the sagittal plane of skulls had an adverse effect on Epley maneuver, when it was less than 45°.

Conclusion: 1. Variation could be found in angles between the semicircular canals and the standard planes of skulls, which meant variation of semicircular canals’ location existing in skulls. 2. The variation of angles between PSC and sagittal plane could have an adverse effect on the Epley maneuver when the angle was less than 45°, which may cause the Epley maneuver to be invalid.     

Micro computed tomography features of laryngeal fractures in a case of fatal manual strangulation

Cases of subtle fatal neck compression are often complicated by the lack of specificity of the post-mortem signs of asphyxia and by the lack of clear signs of neck compression.Herein we present a forensic case of a 45-year-old schizophrenic patient found on the floor of the bedroom of a psychiatric ward in cardiopulmonary arrest and who died after two days in a vegetative state. The deposition of the roommate of the deceased, who claimed responsibility for the killing of the victim by neck compression, was considered unreliable by the prosecutor.Autopsy, toxicological analyses, and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology of the larynx complex were performed. Particularly, micro-CT analysis of the thyroid cartilage revealed the bilateral presence of ossified triticeous cartilages and the complete fragmentation of the right superior horn of the thyroid, but it additionally demonstrated a fracture on the contralateral superior horns, which was not clearly diagnosable at MSCT. On the basis of the evidence of intracartilaginous laryngeal hemorrhages and bilateral microfracture at the base of the superior horns of the larynx, the death was classified as a case of asphyxia due to manual strangulation.Micro-CT was confirmed as a useful tool in cases of subtle fatal neck compression, for the detection of minute laryngeal cartilage fractures, especially in complex cases with equivocal findings on MSCT.     

离子造影剂增强Micro-CT扫描对大鼠关节软骨形态的定量分析

利用Micro-CT技术的较高分辨精度,探索一种新的测量小动物关节软骨形态的方法,为进一步利用小动物模型开展关节软骨的损伤和退变等研究提供基础。选择不同浓度的造影剂及Micro-CT扫描条件,通过造影剂对比增强Micro-CT扫描大鼠膝关节,对大鼠股骨远端关节软骨进行手动分割、重建,得到软骨3D模型,利用重建得到的3D模型,对软骨的厚度和体积等形态学参数进行无创定量分析。根据造影剂、软骨和软骨下骨对X射线吸收的平均相对衰减值差异,确定30%的离子造影剂浓度为最佳。利用该浓度对4个不同的正常大鼠关节软骨进行扫描和重建,分析获得关节软骨的体积和厚度,并求得关节软骨体积和厚度的变异系数均方根分别为7.3%和6.1%。结果提示,利用造影剂增强Micro-CT扫描能够对软骨形态重要参数厚度、体积等进行定量评价。     

Three-dimensional analysis of pulp chambers in maxillary second deciduous molars

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the positional relationship between the crown contour and the pulp chamber using micro-CT system for restorations of maxillary second deciduous molar. METHODS: Five maxillary second deciduous molar teeth each from the deciduous dentition and the mixed dentition periods were used. The positional relationship between the crown contour and pulp chamber was three-dimensionally observed by micro-CT. In addition, the thickness of the dentin at each of the pulp horns and the volume ratio of the pulp chamber against the whole crown were measured. RESULTS: In relationship to the crown contour and the pulp chamber, the pulp horn of the mesiobuccal cusp showed greatest protrusion and eminent swelling of its mesial wall in both the deciduous dentition and the mixed dentition periods. Furthermore, the pulp chamber was shifted to the mesial side. The volume ratio of the pulp chamber to the whole crown, the ratio in the mixed dentition period showed to be significantly smaller than in the deciduous dentition period. The dentin thickness at the mesiobuccal pulp horn was the thinest. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in preparation of cavities in maxillary second deciduous molars, care is necessary not to expose of the mesiobuccal pulp horn. Especially, the mesial wall of the mesiobuccal pulp horn should be noted.     

Microstructural and histomorphological features of osteophytes in late-stage human knee osteoarthritis with varus deformity

ObjectivesTo illustrate the microstructural and histomorphological characteristics of osteophytes in the human knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsTibial plateau specimens, including osteophytes and subchondral trabecular bone (STB) from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions, were obtained from 81 patients with OA after total knee arthroplasty surgery. All the patients had varus deformity of the knee. Micro-CT was applied to evaluate the microstructure characteristics of the tibial plateau, which was segmented into 6 regions of interest (ROIs). After micro-CT scanning, decalcified and undecalcified bone histology were performed to assess histological features and bone remodeling status in these different ROIs.ResultsIn both medial and lateral plateaus, osteophytes exhibited a less sclerotic microstructure and higher bone remodeling level compared with STB from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions. Moreover, the medial osteophyte tended to have a more sclerotic microarchitecture and a relatively low level of bone metabolism than its lateral counterpart. Osteophyte, which consists of mesenchymal connective tissue cap, cartilage and mineralized bone tissue, demonstrated evident chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral ossification in the cartilage-to-bone interface. Compared with the non-weight-bearing region, the weight-bearing region showed more severely deteriorated cartilage, and more sclerotic subchondral bone with high remodeling status.ConclusionOsteophytes exhibited a sparse microstructure and high bone remodeling level in knee OA, but demonstrating region-dependent variations. In addition, the microstructure, bone metabolism status and pathological alterations of osteochondral complex were distinct between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions in the tibial plateau. Biomechanical stress might play a pivotal role in osteophyte formation and deterioration of osteochondral complex.     

The variation of cancellous bones at lumbar vertebra,femoral neck,mandibular angle and rib in ovariectomized sheep

This study aimed to compare the variation of cancellous bones at four skeletal sites: lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, mandibular angle and rib in ovariectomized sheep. Sixteen adult sheep were randomly divided into two groups: eight sheep were ovariectomized served as experimental group; the other eight untreated sheep were served as control group. Bone mineral density was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on lumbar vertebrae at baseline and twelve months after ovariectomy. After 12 months, lumbar vertebrae L3 and L4, femoral necks, mandibular angles and the fourth ribs were harvested for micro-CT scanning, histological analysis and biomechanical test. The results showed that bone mineral density of lumbar vertebra decreased significantly in twelfth month (p < 0.05). The results of micro-CT showed that the bone volume/total volume decreased by 45.6%, 36.1% 21.3% and 18.7% in lumbar vertebrae, femoral necks, mandibular angles and ribs in experimental group (p < 0.05) respectively. The trabecular number showed the same downtrend (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed trabecular area/tissue area decreased by 32.1%, 23.2% and 20.7% in lumbar vertebrae, femoral necks and mandibular angles respectively (p < 0.05), but no significant difference in ribs. Specimens elastic modulus from lumbar vertebra, femoral neck and mandibular angle were 952 ± 76 MPa (628 ± 70 MPa), 961 ± 173 MPa (610 ± 72 MPa) and 595 ± 60 MPa (444 ± 31 MPa) in control group (experimental group) respectively. These datum indicated that the sensibility of cancellous bones to oestrogen deficiency in ovariectomized sheep was site-specific on a pattern as follows: lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, mandibular angle and rib.     

结合Micro-CT建立3种固位型的单端粘接桥有限元模型

目的：结合Micro-CT技术建立3种固位型设计的单端粘接桥的三维有限元模型。方法：用Micro-CT扫描成人上颌第一前磨牙,将获得的CT影像通过Mimics 10．0软件进行拟合,初步形成模型。再将模型转入Geomagic 7．0软件进行精修细化,形成ANSYS 10．0软件可识别的实体三维模型,最终得到单端粘接桥的牙体预备体与修复体模型。结果：成功建立了以上颌第一前磨牙为基牙、3种不同固位型设计的单端粘接桥的三维有限元模型,划分网格数分别为553959、468134、516748。结论：将Micro-CT扫描技术与有限元方法结合建立高精度的单端粘接桥的三维有限元模型,可应用于进一步的生物力学分析。     

Remodelling of vertebral endplate subchondral bone in scoliosis: A micro-CT analysis in a porcine model

Background

Disc degeneration has been correlated with alteration of bone density of adjacent vertebral bodies. Abnormal mechanical loading appears in scoliosis as compared to normal spines. How vertebral endplate was remodelled in scoliosis is not well understood.

Methods

We conducted a micro-CT analysis of subchondral bone of the vertebral endplate at the curve apex in a porcine scoliosis model. Two adjacent thoracic T₅–T₆ and lumbar L₁–L₂ levels were instrumented in six four-week-old pigs with a custom offset implant connected by a flexible stainless steel wire. Two months after implantation, three cylindrical specimens were harvested into the vertebral endplate of each of the scoliosis levels: centre, convexity and concavity, and from the dorsal T₉–T₁₀ vertebral units obtained from nine three-month-old non-instrumented pigs used as controls. Micro-CT analysis was carried out on each specimen.

Findings

In the concavity of the scoliotic spine, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation significantly increased whereas in the convexity, only trabecular separation increased. Connectivity index and trabecular number decreased significantly.

Interpretation

This was the first micro-CT study of subchondral bone microarchitecture of the scoliotic vertebral end plate. At the curve apex, increased compression in the concavity induced an osteogenic process. In the convexity, diminished compression caused an osteolytic process with a local resorption. Clinically, the unbalanced tissue remodelling could play a role in the convective and diffusive transports into the end plate, which is of prime importance for the segment homeostasis in scoliosis treatment with or without surgery.     

不同强度跑台运动对大鼠软骨下骨三维结构的影响

目的探讨不同强度跑台运动对大鼠胫骨软骨下骨三维结构的影响。 方法采用随机数字表法将24只雌性SD大鼠分为对照组、低强度跑步组、中强度跑步组及高强度跑步组。3个运动组大鼠根据各自运动方案进行跑步训练,对照组大鼠不给予特殊运动训练。于实验进行8周后取各组大鼠胫骨近端组织进行Micro-CT扫描分析。 结果与对照组比较,高强度运动组软骨下骨板变厚、骨密度增加、孔隙率降低;软骨下骨松质骨骨小梁数量增加并多呈现板状结构改变;而低强度组和中强度组胫骨软骨下骨未见明显改变。 结论跑台运动对大鼠软骨下骨显微结构的影响具有强度依赖性;高强度跑步能导致胫骨软骨下骨结构显著改变。 【关键词】跑台运动;大鼠;软骨下骨;显微CT;强度     

Calendering as a direct shaping tool for the continuous production of fixed-dose combination products via co-extrusion

In this study calendering is used as a downstream technique to shape monolithic co-extruded fixed-dose combination products in a continuous way. Co-extrudates with a metoprolol tartrate-loaded sustained-release core and a hydrochlorothiazide-loaded immediate-release coat were produced and immediately shaped into a monolithic drug delivery system via calendering, using chilled rolls with tablet-shaped cavities. In vitro metoprolol tartrate release from the ethylcellulose core of the calendered tablets was prolonged in comparison with the sustained release of a multiparticulate dosage form, prepared manually by cutting co-extrudates into mini-matrices. Analysis of the dosage forms using X-ray micro-computed tomography only detected small differences between the pore structure of the core of the calendered tablet and the mini-matrices. Diffusion path length was shown to be the main mechanism behind the release kinetics. Terahertz pulsed imaging visualized that adhesion between the core and coat of the calendered tablet was not complete and a gradient in coat thickness (varying from 200 to 600 μm) was observed. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction indicated that the solid-state properties of both drugs were not affected by the calendering procedure.