Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction serves as a crucial instrument for the analysis of biological structures. In particular, a comprehensive and accurate 3D ultrastructural examination of rat sperm is vital for understanding and diagnosing male fertility issues and the underlying causes of infertility. In this study, we utilize the automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome scanning electron microscopy (ATUM-SEM) imaging technique, which is a highly effective method for 3D cellular ultrastructural analysis. Our findings reveal that during spermiogenesis, the volume of the nucleus significantly decreases, shrinking to just 10% of its original size. The acrosomal vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus converge and elongate along the spermatid nucleus. These vesicles then attach to the nucleus via a cap-like structure, thereby defining the head side of the spermatozoa. In the initial stages of spermiogenesis, the mitochondria in spermatids are distributed beneath the cell membrane. As the process progresses, these mitochondria gradually migrate to the sperm tail, where they form the mitochondrial sheath. This sheath plays a crucial role in providing the energy required for the movement of the sperm. In addition, we reconstruct the mRNA-stroring structure-chromatoid body in sperm cells, which are cloud-like or net-like structures in the cytoplasm. The precise and comprehensive nature of 3D ultrastructural examination allows for a deeper understanding of the morphological process of spermiogenesis, thereby contributing to our knowledge of male fertility and the causes of infertility. Our research has significantly advanced the understanding of the 3D ultrastructure of sperm more comprehensively than ever before.

UNASSIGNED: The variability of humeral head angulation in proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) is a noteworthy observation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential association between humeral head angulation and bone void within the humeral head in PHFs.
UNASSIGNED: We used the reconstruction function in Mimics software to generate three-dimensional models of fractures. Bony landmarks were employed to accurately define the calcar and humeral head zone. Boolean subtraction was performed to calculate the volume of head bone void.
UNASSIGNED: The cohort consisted of 60 (74.1 %) varus, 21 (25.9 %) valgus, and 23 (22.1 %) neutral angulated PHFs. The mean percentage of humeral head bone void was 38.5 ± 17.8 in varus, 36.3 ± 15.7 in valgus, and 30.1 ± 10.6 in neutral angulated PHFs. A significant difference was observed between the varus and neutral groups (P = 0.035). In addition, an analysis of humeral head bone void was conducted among patients aged over 65 years old, revealing a mean percentage of 42.7 ± 16.4 in varus (27 cases), 34.8 ± 14.5 in valgus (13 cases), and 28.1 ± 11.8 in neutral (8 cases) angulated PHFs. The difference between the varus and neutral groups was also significant (P = 0.023).
UNASSIGNED: All types of angulation patterns exhibited humeral head bone void to some extent, with the varus-displaced PHFs demonstrating more obvious defects in comparison to the neutral angulated type.

The use of a micropile group is an effective method for small and medium-sized slope management. However, there is limited research on the pile-soil interaction mechanism of micropile groups. Based on transparent soil and PIV technology, a test platform for the lateral load testing of slopes was constructed, and eight groups of transparent soil slope model experiments were performed. The changes in soil pressure and pile top displacement at the top of the piles during lateral loading were obtained. We scanned and photographed the slope, and obtained the deformation characteristics of the soil interior based on particle image velocimetry. A three-dimensional reconstruction program was developed to generate the displacement isosurface behind the pile. The impacts of various arrangement patterns and connecting beams on the deformation attributes and pile-soil interaction mechanism were explored, and the pile-soil interaction model of group piles was summarized. The results show that the front piles in a staggered arrangement bore more lateral thrust, and the distribution of soil pressure on each row of piles was more uniform. The connecting beams enhanced the overall stiffness of the pile group, reduced pile displacement, facilitated coordinated deformation of the pile group, and enhanced the anti-sliding effect of the pile-soil composite structure.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the optimal head position (OHP) following intratympanic injection, a critical intervention in treating inner ear disorders. Identifying OHP is essential to maximize drug retention in the middle ear, thereby significantly enhancing the therapeutic efficacy by mitigating the significant issue of injectate leakage through the eustachian tube (ET). Exploratory various positions of ET orifice and round window (RW) were investigated and associated with head movements. Methods: Twenty-two (10 males and 12 females) anonymized high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) datasets of patients without structural ear disease were selected from January 2022 to December 2022 in the study. The subjects were categorized into two groups: children (≤18 years) and adult group (>18 years). The reconstruction of the ET orifice and RW from HRCT were analyzed using Mimics software and the distances from the center point of ET orifice or the center point of RW to the reference plane were defined as distance of ET orifice (DET) and distance of RW (DRW). Results: In the supine position, the OHP for intratympanic injection was 23°of pronation and 24° of posterior extension, and the maximum distance between the ET orifice and RW (DET-RW) was 9.29 ± 2.13 mm. As the head position extended posteriorly beyond 43°, DET was relatively high compared with DRW, resulting in the OHP a fully posteriorly extended 90° of the head being the optimal position with DET-RW of 2.13 ± 1.60 mm in the supine position, however, it is not realized in human beings. Moreover, the OHP had no obvious relevance corresponding to age following intratympanic injections. Conclusion: Our study suggested that OHP after intratympanic injections treatment consists of supine position, along with a slight pronation and posterior extension.

It has not yet been proven whether sepsis affects the tissue around the anal canal. To address this issue, we established three-dimensional models for various types of anorectal abscesses and utilize 3D reconstruction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans to assess the extent of muscle damage caused by anorectal abscesses. Patients diagnosed with anorectal abscess, selected from January 2019 to January 2022 underwent pre- and post-operative scanning of pelvic floor and perianal tissues. The aforementioned structures were segmented for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional visual model and measurement of volumes for the abscess as well as the internal and external sphincters and levator ani muscle. The study included a total of 42 patients. Three-dimensional visualization models were created for different types of anorectal abscesses, including perianal, intersphincteric, ischiorectal, and supralevator abscesses. No statistically significant differences were observed in the volume of the internal sphincter, external sphincter, and levator ani muscle between pre- and post-operative patients. The 3D model of anorectal abscess, reconstructed from MRI data, offers a precise and direct visualization of the anatomical structures associated with various types of anorectal abscesses. The infection did not result in any damage to the internal and external anal sphincter and levator ani muscle.

UNASSIGNED: Preoperative three-dimensional (3D) lung reconstructions can reduce intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, and operation duration. These 3D reconstructions are predominantly provided by commercial expensive products, hence we aimed to assess the usability and performance of preoperative 3D lung reconstructions created with open-source software.
UNASSIGNED: Patients were invited to participate in this prospective pilot study if they were planned for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy or segmentectomy between January and February 2023. Participants were excluded if a two-dimensional (2D) late-arterial-phase computed tomography (CT) scan contained motion artifacts, another surgical procedure was performed, or the surgery was canceled. After informed consent was obtained, 3D lung reconstructions were constructed using open-source 3D Slicer software. The system usability score (SUS) questionnaire assessed the usability of these reconstructions, whilst performance was evaluated based on anatomical validity compared to prior 2D CT assessment as well as operative findings. Descriptive statistics were reported.
UNASSIGNED: Thirteen patients were included, of whom one underwent a segmentectomy. Eighty-three percent of the 3D lung reconstructions scored above average (SUS >68). Compared to 2D CT scans, 38% of lung nodule segmental locations were detected more accurately through 3D lung reconstructions. Furthermore, 3D lung reconstructions revealed anatomical variations in 62%, which were not recognized on 2D CT scans, and provided surgeons with insights that would change the procedure and/or transection planes in 62%. One 3D lung reconstruction failed to demonstrate an intraoperative recognized segmental pulmonary artery (A6) branch.
UNASSIGNED: Three-dimensional lung reconstructions created with open-source software were usable and effective for uniportal VATS anatomical resections.
UNASSIGNED: ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT06132607.

UNASSIGNED: Due to the complex anatomy of the spine and the intricate surgical procedures involved, spinal surgery demands a high level of technical expertise from surgeons. The clinical application of image-guided spinal surgery has significantly enhanced lesion visualization, reduced operation time, and improved surgical outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: This article reviews the latest advancements in deep learning and artificial intelligence in image-guided spinal surgery, aiming to provide references and guidance for surgeons, engineers, and researchers involved in this field.
UNASSIGNED: Our analysis indicates that image-guided spinal surgery, augmented by artificial intelligence, outperforms traditional spinal surgery techniques. Moving forward, it is imperative to collect a more expansive dataset to further ensure the procedural safety of such surgeries. These insights carry significant implications for the integration of artificial intelligence in the medical field, ultimately poised to enhance the proficiency of surgeons and improve surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) low-dose three-dimensional reconstruction and traditional X-ray in the auxiliary diagnosis of distal radius epiphyseal injury in children.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 105 children with distal radius bone scale injury (classified by Salter-Harris classification) admitted from March 2020 to June 2022. All children underwent MSCT three-dimensional reconstruction examination and traditional X-ray examination. The detection rate of epiphyseal injury of the distal radius was compared, along with the resolution, sensitivity and specificity. The image clarity and display degree of bone structure were analyzed. The radiation dose-related indicators and the time required for diagnosis were compared.
RESULTS: The detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of MSCT (100%, 92.38%) was significantly higher than that of X-ray (76.19%, 64.76%). In terms of radiation dose index, the volume dose index CTDI of MSCT ranged from 1-5 mGy while the X-ray group ranged from 5-10 mGy. The dose length product (DLP) value of the MSCT group was lower than in the X-ray group (20-100 mGy·cm vs. 50-150 mGy·cm). The diagnostic scan time for MSCT was shorter than that of conventional X-ray. The acceptance rate with MSCT was 99%, significantly higher than that with conventional X-ray (85%).
CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose three-dimensional reconstruction of MSCT in the diagnosis of epiphyseal injury of distal radius in children shows significant advantages over traditional CT in the detection rate, diagnostic accuracy, postoperative reduction quality evaluation, and radiation dose.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a superficial sarcoma characterized by infiltrative growth with tentacle-like borders. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the preferred treatment option for DFSP. However, the imprecise boundary localization in MMS leads to an increased number of Mohs layers required and a longer surgery time. High-frequency ultrasound has excellent tissue recognition capability for DFSP, allowing for precise boundary marking.
METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 cases of DFSP treated with MMS using preoperative ultrasound localization and three-dimensional reconstruction at Xiangya Hospital over the past 5 years. We also reviewed previous studies on MMS for DFSP treatment.
RESULTS: It was found that the average number of Mohs layers for patients after preoperative ultrasound localization was 1.57, ranging from 1 to 3, which was less than the previously reported 1.86 layers, ranging from 1 to 12. This effectively reduced the number of Mohs layers required.
CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing preoperative high-frequency ultrasound to determine the boundaries and depth of DFSP, the number of Mohs layers can be effectively reduced, leading to less workload for pathological examination, shorter operation time, and reduced surgical risks for patients. Ultrasound imaging data can be used for three-dimensional reconstruction, enabling less experienced Mohs surgeons to have a visual understanding of the morphology and extent of infiltration of the lesions. This aids in developing optimal surgical plans, smoothing the learning curve, and promoting the wider adoption of MMS.

UNASSIGNED: We present a case of idiopathic azygos vein aneurysm (AVA) and describe its radiological features. Clinicians should be aware of the imaging findings to avoid the risk of bleeding caused by biopsy.
METHODS: An asymptomatic 46-year-old woman was found to have an abnormal shadow on a chest computed tomography (CT) scan during a medical checkup. Plain CT revealed a well-defined, homogeneous mass on the posterior side of the right main bronchus. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a mass with marked enhancement pointing to a vascular structure. Three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the mass was connected to the azygos arch, and inflow to and outflow from the azygos vein was detected. Subsequently, video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed.
UNASSIGNED: Patients with idiopathic AVA often present with accidental findings of a mediastinal or lung mass on a chest radiographs or CT scans, which can be mistakenly diagnosed as a paratracheal tumor, bronchial cyst, or posterior mediastinal tumor. Needle biopsy should be avoided due to the risk of massive bleeding. During the evaluation of thoracic malignancies, AVAs should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in area of the right tracheobronchial angle or right upper or posterior mediastinum. Three-dimensional reconstruction can help surgeons to clarify the disease diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Imaging findings combined with enhanced CT and three-dimensional reconstruction are useful for diagnosing AVAs.