Anti-Pollutant Activity of Porphyra yezoensis Water Extract and Its Active Compound, Porphyra 334, against Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Keratinocyte Cell Damage.

Urban particulate matter (UPM) causes skin aging and inflammatory reactions by influencing skin cells through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway. Porphyra yezoensis (also known as Pyropia yezoensis), a red alga belonging to the Bangiaceae family, is an edible red seaweed. Here, we examined the anti-pollutant effect of P. yezoensis water extract. While UPM treatment induced xenobiotic response element (XRE) promoter luciferase activity, P. yezoensis water extract reduced UPM-induced XRE activity. Next, we isolated an active compound from P. yezoensis and identified it as porphyra 334. Similar to the P. yezoensis water extract, porphyra 334 attenuated UPM-induced XRE activity. Moreover, although UPM augmented AhR nuclear translocation, which led to an increase in cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) mRNA levels, these effects were reduced by porphyra 334. Moreover, UPM induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced cell proliferation. These effects were attenuated in response to porphyra 334 treatment. Furthermore, our results revealed that the increased ROS levels induced by UPM treatment induced transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activity, which is related to skin aging and inflammatory responses. However, porphyra 334 treatment reduced this reaction by inhibiting ROS production induced by CYP1A1 activation. This indicates that porphyra 334, an active compound of P. yezoensis, attenuates UP-induced cell damage by inhibiting AhR-induced ROS production, which results in a reduction in TRPV1 activation, leading to cell proliferation. This also suggests that porphyra 334 could protect the epidermis from harmful pollutants.

Surface Reconstruction and Optimization of Cerebral Cortex for Application Use.

For the purposes of virtual surgery, medical education, medical communication, and realistic surface models of anatomic structures are required. In the most involved method, surface models can be made using segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction procedures. Such models, however, are computationally expensive, and can be difficult to use. Therefore, optimization is often performed manually, but this is a time-consuming job that requires considerable artistic talent. In this article, the authors describe a method that uses Maya and ZBrush to construct optimized surface models of anatomic structures. The authors take 235 anatomic images generated from a cadaver, and perform segmentation and surface reconstruction using Photoshop and Mimics. Reconstructed surface models of the cerebral cortex are then optimized and divided by a morphing technique in Maya and ZBrush for use in medical applications. The optimized surface models do not require significant storage space, and are easily manufactured and modified. The resulting surface models can be displayed off-line and on-line in real time, as well as on smart phones. Using commercial software with the specialized functions described in this study, it is expected that the efficiencies produced by the proposed method will enable researchers to conveniently create surface models from serially sectioned images such as computed tomographs and magnetic resonance images. The surface models created in this research will also have widespread applications in both medical education and communication.

Virtual Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Exploration of Stomach Wall Based on a Cadaver's Sectioned Images.

We intended to determine that virtual endoscopy and laparoscopy of the stomach based on serially sectioned cadaver images is beneficial. Therefore, the outlines between the gastric wall and lumen were traced using the new female data of the Visible Korean to build a volume model. While the outlines were expanded at appropriate thicknesses, the stomach was observed endoscopically and laparoscopically in comparison with a chosen sectioned image. Four layers (mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa) of the stomach were discernible by their proper colors in the sectioned images. All layers except the submucosa were identified in the endoscopic and laparoscopic views by using consistent colors. The stepwise expansion of the outlines revealed thickness of each layer as well as whether the thickness was uniform. Our ideas and the Visible Korean images could be a robust resource of virtual reality learning for medical students and clinicians.

Sectioned Images and Surface Models of a Cadaver for Understanding the Dorsalis Pedis Flap.

The aim of this study was to represent the dorsalis pedis (DP) flap on sectioned images and surface models using Visible Korean for medical education and clinical training in the field of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Serially sectioned images of the foot were obtained from a cadaver. The important structures in the sectioned images were outlined and stacked to create a surface model. The PDF file (53 MB) of the assembled models is accessible for free download on the Department of Anatomy at Ajou University School of Medicine Web site (http://anatomy.co.kr). In this file, the significant anatomic structures of the DP flap can be inspected in the sectioned images. All surface models and stereoscopic structures of the DP flap are described in real time. We hope that these state-of-the-art sectioned images, outlined images, and surface models will help students and trainees gain a better understanding of the DP flap anatomy.

Sectioned images and surface models of a cadaver for understanding the deep circumflex iliac artery flap.

The aim of this study was to describe the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap from sectioned images and stereoscopic anatomic models using Visible Korean, for the benefit of medical education and clinical training in the field of oromandibular reconstructive surgery. Serially sectioned images of the pelvic area were obtained from a cadaver. Outlines of significant structures in the sectioned images were drawn and stacked to build surface models. The PDF (portable document format) file (size, 30 MB) of the constructed models is available for free download on the Web site of the Department of Anatomy at Ajou University School of Medicine (http://anatomy.co.kr). In the PDF file, the relevant structures of the DCIA flap can be seen in the sectioned images. All surface models and stereoscopic structures associated with the DCIA flap are displayed in real time. We hope that these state-of-the-art sectioned images, outlined images, and surface models will help students and trainees better understand the anatomy associated with DCIA flap.

Three-dimensional templating arthroplasty of the humeral head.

BACKGROUND: No anatomical study has been conducted over Asian population to design humeral head prosthesis for the population concerned. This study was done to evaluate the accuracy of commercially available humeral head prosthetic designs, in replicating the humeral head anatomy. METHODS: CT scan data of 48 patients were taken and their 3D CAD models were generated. Then, humeral head prosthetic design of a BF shoulder system produced by a standardized, commercially available company (Zimmer) was used for templating shoulder arthroplasty and the humeral head size having the perfect fit was assessed. These data were compared with the available data in the literature. RESULTS: All the humeral heads were perfectly matched by one of the sizes available. The average head size was 48.5 mm and the average head thickness was 23.5 mm. The results matched reasonably well with the available data in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The humeral head anatomy can be recreated reasonably well by the commercially available humeral head prosthetic designs and sizes. Their dimensions are similar to that of the published literature.

Portable document format file showing the surface models of cadaver whole body.

In the Visible Korean project, 642 three-dimensional (3D) surface models have been built from the sectioned images of a male cadaver. It was recently discovered that popular PDF file enables users to approach the numerous surface models conveniently on Adobe Reader. Purpose of this study was to present a PDF file including systematized surface models of human body as the beneficial contents. To achieve the purpose, fitting software packages were employed in accordance with the procedures. Two-dimensional (2D) surface models including the original sectioned images were embedded into the 3D surface models. The surface models were categorized into systems and then groups. The adjusted surface models were inserted to a PDF file, where relevant multimedia data were added. The finalized PDF file containing comprehensive data of a whole body could be explored in varying manners. The PDF file, downloadable freely from the homepage (http://anatomy.co.kr), is expected to be used as a satisfactory self-learning tool of anatomy. Raw data of the surface models can be extracted from the PDF file and employed for various simulations for clinical practice. The technique to organize the surface models will be applied to manufacture of other PDF files containing various multimedia contents.

Systematized methods of surface reconstruction from the serial sectioned images of a cadaver head.

Three-dimensional models have played important roles in medical simulation and education. Surface models can be manipulated in real time and even online; surface models have significant features for an interactive simulation system. The objective surface models are obtainable from accumulation of each structure's outlines, followed by surface reconstruction. The aim of this research was to suggest the arranged methods of surface reconstruction, which might be applied to building surface models from serial images, such as computed tomographic scans and magnetic resonance images. We used recent state-of-the-art sectioned images of a cadaver head in which several structures were delineated. Four reconstruction methods were regulated according to the structure's morphology: all outlines of a structure are overlapped and singular (method 1), overlapped and not singular (method 2), not overlapped but singular (method 3), and neither overlapped nor singular (method 4). From the trials with various kinds of head structures, we strongly suggested methods 1 and 2, in which volume reconstruction before surface reconstruction accelerated the processing speed on 3D-DOCTOR. So as to use methods 1 and 2, how to make the neighboring outlines overlapped in advance was discussed. The surface models of detailed head structures prepared in this investigation will hopefully contribute to various simulations for clinical practice. The value of the surface models are enhanced if they are placed over the original sectioned images, outlined images, and magnetic resonance images of the same cadaver.

Accessible and informative sectioned images and surface models of a cadaver head.

The sectioned images and surface models of a cadaver head in the Visible Korean Project would be more beneficial if they were accessible and informative. To this aim, 3 policies were established: (1) the data are promptly obtainable and observable; (2) the graphic data are accompanied by explaining the anatomic terms; and (3) two-dimensional images and three-dimensional models are shown together. According to the policies, the following were attempted. Two hundred thirty-five couples of sectioned images and outlined images (intervals, 1 mm) of the head were prepared. Browsing software was developed where the 2 corresponding images were displayed simultaneously. In addition, the structures in the images were recognized with the aid of automatic labeling. From the outlined images, surface models of 178 head structures were constructed. The two-dimensional surface models including the sectioned images were embedded into the three-dimensional surface models. All the models were categorized into systems and arranged to be inputted to a PDF (portable document format) file. The finalized PDF file containing comprehensive head data could be explored on Adobe Reader. If the user clicked on the surface models, their anatomic names were highlighted. The sectioned images, outlined images, and surface models in the browsing software and PDF file can be downloaded from the homepage (anatomy.co.kr) free of charge. The state-of-the-art graphic information will hopefully assist medical students in learning head anatomy. In addition, the raw data are expected to contribute to the various clinical practice simulations.

Outlining of the detailed structures in sectioned images from Visible Korean.

PURPOSE: Sectioned images of cadavers enable creation of realistic three-dimensional (3D) models. In order to build a 3D model of a structure, the structure has to be outlined in the sectioned images. The outlining process is time consuming; therefore, users want to be provided with outlined images. The more detailed structures are outlined, the greater potential for wider application of the outlined images. METHODS: In the Visible Korean, sectioned images (intervals 0.2 mm) of the entire body of a male cadaver were prepared. In the available 1,702 sectioned images (intervals 1 mm), 937 structures were outlined over a period of 8 years. The outlined images were altered to black-filled images for each structure; black-filled images were selected for distribution in order to maintain small file sizes. RESULTS: We attempted to determine whether black-filled images could be used in various situations. The outlines of these images were interpolated for production of new images at 0.2 mm intervals. The outlines were then filled with different colors for construction of color-filled images of all structures. Volume and surface reconstructions of the black-filled images were executed in order to build volume and surface models. CONCLUSION: The black-filled images with corresponding sectioned images presented here are the source of realistic 3D models for use in medical simulation systems.

The Visible Human Projects in Korea and China with improved images and diverse applications.

PURPOSE: The Visible Human Projects, which were launched in the United States, have also been developed in Korea and China during the past decade. This article includes the new trials to promote a variety of their applications. METHODS: In a Korean laboratory, whole bodies of two cadavers were serially sectioned (Visible Korean), while two Chinese institutes have sectioned nine cadavers (Chinese Visible Human and Virtual Chinese Human). For acquiring sectioned images and stereoscopic models of better quality, appropriate cadavers were chosen; equipments and techniques for embedding, sectioning, photography, and computer processing were continuously improved in the two countries. To facilitate the research, Korean and Chinese scientists have visited each other. RESULTS: The sectioned images with thinner intervals (0.2 mm or less) and higher resolution were obtained. From the advanced data, the segmented images of comprehensive structures were prepared to construct three-dimensional models. Then, cross-sectional images and models were offered for medical education and clinical practice such as electronic anatomy atlas and virtual lumbar puncture. CONCLUSION: Every project has its strengths and weaknesses with regard to the image data; users in the world can choose the project that best suits their needs.

Volumetric Change in the Masseter and Lateral Pterygoid after Mandibular Setback.

In this study, we evaluated changes in the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles in the prognathic mandible group after a mandibular setback by comparing the volume-to-length ratios. Preoperative and postoperative 1-year computed tomography was used to calculate the volume-to-length ratio of the lateral pterygoid and masseter muscle in 60 Korean individuals. Three-dimensional images were reconstructed, the results of which showed no significant differences in the volume-to-length ratios of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles after a mandibular setback (p > 0.05). This result was found for both vertical ramus osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy, and for both males and females. No significant differences in the volume-to-length ratio of the masseter and lateral pterygoid muscles were found up to 1 year after a mandibular setback. Therefore, this study can contribute to the prediction of soft-tissue profiles after mandibular setback.

Three-Dimensional Postoperative Results Prediction for Orthognathic Surgery through Deep Learning-Based Alignment Network.

To date, for the diagnosis of dentofacial dysmorphosis, we have relied almost entirely on reference points, planes, and angles. This is time consuming, and it is also greatly influenced by the skill level of the practitioner. To solve this problem, we wanted to know if deep neural networks could predict postoperative results of orthognathic surgery without relying on reference points, planes, and angles. We use three-dimensional point cloud data of the skull of 269 patients. The proposed method has two main stages for prediction. In step 1, the skull is divided into six parts through the segmentation network. In step 2, three-dimensional transformation parameters are predicted through the alignment network. The ground truth values of transformation parameters are calculated through the iterative closest points (ICP), which align the preoperative part of skull to the corresponding postoperative part of skull. We compare pointnet, pointnet++ and pointconv for the feature extractor of the alignment network. Moreover, we design a new loss function, which considers the distance error of transformed points for a better accuracy. The accuracy, mean intersection over union (mIoU), and dice coefficient (DC) of the first segmentation network, which divides the upper and lower part of skull, are 0.9998, 0.9994, and 0.9998, respectively. For the second segmentation network, which divides the lower part of skull into 5 parts, they were 0.9949, 0.9900, 0.9949, respectively. The mean absolute error of transverse, anterior-posterior, and vertical distance of part 2 (maxilla) are 0.765 mm, 1.455 mm, and 1.392 mm, respectively. For part 3 (mandible), they were 1.069 mm, 1.831 mm, and 1.375 mm, respectively, and for part 4 (chin), they were 1.913 mm, 2.340 mm, and 1.257 mm, respectively. From this study, postoperative results can now be easily predicted by simply entering the point cloud data of computed tomography.

Segmentation of cerebral gyri in the sectioned images by referring to volume model.

Authors had prepared the high-quality sectioned images of a cadaver head. For the delineation of each cerebral gyrus, three-dimensional model of the same brain was required. The purpose of this study was to develop the segmentation protocol of cerebral gyri by referring to the three-dimensional model on the personal computer. From the 114 sectioned images (intervals, 1 mm), a cerebral hemisphere was outlined. On MRIcro software, sectioned images including only the cerebral hemisphere were volume reconstructed. The volume model was rotated to capture the lateral, medial, superior, and inferior views of the cerebral hemisphere. On these four views, areas of 33 cerebral gyri were painted with colors. Derived from the painted views, the cerebral gyri in sectioned images were identified and outlined on the Photoshop to prepare segmented images. The segmented images were used for production of volume and surface models of the selected gyri. The segmentation method developed in this research is expected to be applied to other types of images, such as MRIs. Our results of the sectioned and segmented images of the cadaver brain, acquired in the present study, are hopefully utilized for medical learning tools of neuroanatomy.

A proposal of new reference system for the standard axial, sagittal, coronal planes of brain based on the serially-sectioned images.

Sectional anatomy of human brain is useful to examine the diseased brain as well as normal brain. However, intracerebral reference points for the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes of brain have not been standardized in anatomical sections or radiological images. We made 2,343 serially-sectioned images of a cadaver head with 0.1 mm intervals, 0.1 mm pixel size, and 48 bit color and obtained axial, sagittal, and coronal images based on the proposed reference system. This reference system consists of one principal reference point and two ancillary reference points. The two ancillary reference points are the anterior commissure and the posterior commissure. And the principal reference point is the midpoint of two ancillary reference points. It resides in the center of whole brain. From the principal reference point, Cartesian coordinate of x, y, z could be made to be the standard axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.

Advanced features of whole body sectioned images: Virtual Chinese Human.

Serially sectioned images of whole cadavers have become available through the work of four projects: the Visible Human Project, the Visible Korean, the Chinese Visible Human, and the Virtual Chinese Human (VCH). For the VCH, new techniques and equipment were developed and applied to two female and two male cadavers to overcome some of the limitations noted in previous studies. In this article on the VCH, the procedures described are those used on a male cadaver. The cadaver was young with little to no pathology; there were no flat back artifacts because the cadaver was frozen and embedded in the upright position. Sectioned images (intervals, 0.2 mm) were of exceptional quality and resolution (0.1 mm-sized pixels). Several specific structures were outlined (intervals, 0.6 mm) to acquire segmented images, from which surface models were constructed. The VCH data are to be distributed worldwide and are expected to encourage other investigators to produce useful three-dimensional images and develop interactive simulation programs for clinical practice.

Anti-Aging Effects of Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) Callus Culture Extract Through Transcriptome Profiling.

Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum) in the family Asteraceae is a wildflower that grows in rocky limestone places. Here, we investigated the efficacy of edelweiss callus culture extract (Leontopodium Alpinum callus culture extract; LACCE) using multiple assays from in vitro to in vivo as well as transcriptome profiling. Several in vitro assay results showed the strong antioxidant activity of LACCE in response to UVB treatment. Moreover, LACCE suppressed inflammation and wrinkling; however, moisturizing activity was increased by LACCE. The clinical test in vivo demonstrated that constant application of LACCE on the face and skin tissues improved anti-periorbital wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin thickness compared with the placebo. The RNA-Sequencing results showed at least 16.56% of human genes were expressed in keratinocyte cells. LACCE up-regulated genes encoding several KRT proteins; DDIT4, BNIP3, and IGFBP3 were involved in the positive regulation of the developmental process, programmed cell death, keratinization, and cornification forming skin barriers, which provide many advantages in the human skin. By contrast, down-regulated genes were stress-responsive genes, including metal, oxidation, wounding, hypoxia, and virus infection, suggesting LACCE did not cause any harmful stress on the skin. Our comprehensive study demonstrated LACCE is a promising agent for anti-aging cosmetics.

Advanced surface reconstruction technique to build detailed surface models of the liver and neighboring structures from the Visible Korean Human.

Unlike volume models, surface models, which are empty three-dimensional images, have small file size, so that they can be displayed, rotated, and modified in a real time. For the reason, the surface models of liver and neighboring structures can be effectively applied to virtual hepatic segmentectomy, virtual laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and so on. The purpose of this research is to present surface models of detailed structures inside and outside the liver, which promote medical simulation systems. Forty-seven chosen structures were liver structures such as portal triad, hepatic vein, and neighboring structures such as the stomach, duodenum, muscles, bones, and skin. The structures were outlined in the serially sectioned images from the Visible Korean Human to prepare segmented images. From the segmented images, serial outlines of each structure were stacked; on the popular commercial software, advanced surface reconstruction technique was applied to build surface model of the structure. A surface model of the liver was divided into eight models of hepatic segments according to distribution of the portal vein. The surface models will be distributed to encourage researchers to develop the various kinds of medical simulation of the abdomen.

Surface model of the gastrointestinal tract constructed from the Visible Korean.

Most currently available three-dimensional surface models of human anatomic structures have been artistically created to reflect the anatomy being portrayed. We have recently undertaken, as part of our Visible Korean studies, to build objective surface models based on cross-sectional images of actual human anatomy. Objective of the present study was to elaborate surface models of the GI tract and neighboring structures that are helpful to medical simulation. The GI tract from stomach to anal canal was outlined and reconstructed from sectioned images of the Visible Korean (acomputer database containing the digitized transverse sectional images of a 33-year-old Korean man). The outlining procedure was supported by computational filtering and interpolation using commercially available software. The GI tract was divided into several parts, and each of these parts was surface reconstructed and then united with neighboring parts to produce a surface model of the complete GI tract. Surface models of about 100 neighboring structures were also prepared. The surface models produced will hopefully facilitate the development of interactive simulations for a variety of virtual abdominal surgical procedures or other educational programs. In addition, it is hoped that the improved outlining and surface reconstruction techniques described will encourage other researchers to construct similar surface models based on images obtained from different subjects.

Generating useful images for medical applications from the Visible Korean Human.

For the Visible Korean Human (VKH), a male cadaver was serially ground off to acquire the serially sectioned images (SSIs) of a whole human body. Thereafter, more than 700 structures in the SSIs were outlined to produce detailed segmented images; the SSIs and segmented images were volume- and surface-reconstructed to create three-dimensional models. For outlining and reconstruction, popular software (Photoshop, MRIcro, Maya, AutoCAD, 3ds max, and Rhino) was mainly used; the technique can be reproduced by other investigators for creating their own images. For refining the segmentation and volume reconstruction, the VOXEL-MAN system was used. The continuously upgraded technique was applied to a female cadaver's pelvis to produce the SSIs with 0.1mm sized intervals and 0.1mm x 0.1mm sized pixels. The VKH data, distributed worldwide, encouraged researchers to develop virtual dissection, virtual endoscopy, and virtual lumbar puncture contributing to medical education and clinical practice. In the future, a virtual image library including all the Visible Human Project data, Chinese Visible Human data, and VKH data will hopefully be established where users will be able to download one of the data sets for medical applications.