Abdominal ultrasound features and reference values in healthy guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic features and reference values of the abdominal anatomy in guinea pigs. METHODS: A complete abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in 20 adults and 20 young guinea pigs. The thickness of the wall of the gallbladder, stomach, duodenum, caecum, colon and urinary bladder (UB) was measured. Also, the adrenal glands (AGs) (width of the cranial and caudal poles, length), kidneys (length, width, height), ovaries (length, width), testes (length, width), uterus (width) and seminal glands (width) and the thickness of the spleen and pancreas were measured. All the measurements were compared between age groups and sexes. RESULTS: The liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, UB, AGs and great vessels were clearly visualised in all the guinea pigs. No significant statistical differences were found between the sexes, but there were statistically significant differences in the size of the kidneys, AGs, pancreas, spleen and reproductive organs between age groups. No significant differences in the wall thickness of the digestive system, gallbladder and UB were observed between groups. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study is the lack of gross anatomical or histological correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in guinea pigs and provide reference values for the abdominal organs of this species.

The Dresden Surgical Anatomy Dataset for Abdominal Organ Segmentation in Surgical Data Science.

Laparoscopy is an imaging technique that enables minimally-invasive procedures in various medical disciplines including abdominal surgery, gynaecology and urology. To date, publicly available laparoscopic image datasets are mostly limited to general classifications of data, semantic segmentations of surgical instruments and low-volume weak annotations of specific abdominal organs. The Dresden Surgical Anatomy Dataset provides semantic segmentations of eight abdominal organs (colon, liver, pancreas, small intestine, spleen, stomach, ureter, vesicular glands), the abdominal wall and two vessel structures (inferior mesenteric artery, intestinal veins) in laparoscopic view. In total, this dataset comprises 13195 laparoscopic images. For each anatomical structure, we provide over a thousand images with pixel-wise segmentations. Annotations comprise semantic segmentations of single organs and one multi-organ-segmentation dataset including segments for all eleven anatomical structures. Moreover, we provide weak annotations of organ presence for every single image. This dataset markedly expands the horizon for surgical data science applications of computer vision in laparoscopic surgery and could thereby contribute to a reduction of risks and faster translation of Artificial Intelligence into surgical practice.

The ant abdomen: The skeletomuscular and soft tissue anatomy of Amblyopone australis workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Recent studies of insect anatomy evince a trend towards a comprehensive and integrative investigation of individual traits and their evolutionary relationships. The abdomen of ants, however, remains critically understudied. To address this shortcoming, we describe the abdominal anatomy of Amblyopone australis Erichson, using a multimodal approach combining manual dissection, histology, and microcomputed tomography. We focus on skeletomusculature, but additionally describe the metapleural and metasomal exocrine glands, and the morphology of the circulatory, digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems. We describe the muscles of the dorsal vessel and the ducts of the venom and Dufour's gland, and characterize the visceral anal musculature. Through comparison with other major ant lineages, apoid wasps, and other hymenopteran outgroups, we provide a first approximation of the complete abdominal skeletomuscular groundplan in Formicidae, with a nomenclatural schema generally applicable to the hexapod abdomen. All skeletal muscles were identifiable with their homologs, while we observe potential apomorphies in the pregenital skeleton and the sting musculature. Specifically, we propose the eighth coxocoxal muscle as an ant synapomorphy; we consider possible transformation series contributing to the distribution of states of the sternal apodemes in ants, Hymenoptera, and Hexapoda; and we address the possibly synapomorphic loss of the seventh sternal-eighth gonapophyseal muscles in the vespiform Aculeata. We homologize the ovipositor muscles across Hymenoptera, and summarize demonstrated and hypothetical muscle functions across the abdomen. We also give a new interpretation of the proximal processes of gonapophyses VIII and the ventromedial processes of gonocoxites IX, and make nomenclatural suggestions in the context of evolutionary anatomy and ontology. Finally, we discuss the utility of techniques applied and emphasize the value of primary anatomical research.

Quantitative photogrammetric methodology for measuring mammalian belly score in the painted dog.

The use of "belly scoring" can offer a novel, non-invasive objective management tool to gauge food intake between individuals, groups, and populations, and thus, population fitness. As food availability is increasingly affected by predation, ecological competition, climate change, habitat modification, and other human activities, an accurate belly scoring tool can facilitate comparisons among wildlife populations, serving as an early warning indicator of threats to wildlife population health and potential population collapse. In social species, belly scores can also be a tool to understand social behavior and ranking. We developed and applied the first rigorous quantitative photogrammetric methodology to measure belly scores of wild painted dogs (Lycaon pictus). Our methodology involves: (1) Rigorous selection of photographs of the dorso/lateral profile of individuals at a right angle to the camera, (2) photogrammetrically measuring belly chord length and "belly drop" in pixels, (3) adjusting belly chord length as a departure from a standardized leg angle, and (4) converting pixel measurements to ratios to eliminate the need to introduce distance from the camera. To highlight a practical application, this belly score method was applied to 631 suitable photographs of 15 painted dog packs that included 186 individuals, all collected between 2004-2015 from allopatric painted dog populations in and around Hwange (n = 462) and Mana Pools National Parks (n = 169) in Zimbabwe. Variation in mean belly scores exhibited a cyclical pattern throughout the year, corresponding to biologically significant patterns to include denning demand and prey availability. Our results show significant differences between belly scores of the two different populations we assessed, thus highlighting food stress in the Hwange population. In the face of growing direct and indirect anthropogenic disturbances, this standardised methodology can provide a rapid, species-specific non-invasive management tool that can be applied across studies to rapidly detect emergent threats.

Examination of the interior of sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) abdomen reveals novel cuticular structures involved in pheromone release: Discovering the manifold.

The males of many species of New World Phlebotomines produce volatile terpenoid chemicals, shown in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. to be sex/aggregation pheromones. Pheromone is produced by secretory cells which surround a cuticular reservoir which collects the pheromone and passes it through a cuticular duct to the surface of the insect. The pheromone then passes through specialised cuticular structures on the abdominal surface prior to evaporation. The shape and distribution of the specialised structures are highly diverse and differ according to species. In this study we used SEM to examine the interior cuticular pheromone collection and transport structures of 3 members of the Lu. longipalpis s.l. species complex and Migonemyia migonei. We found a new structure which we have called the manifold which appears to be a substantial extension of the interior tergal cuticle connected in-line with the cuticular duct and reservoir. The manifold of the Campo Grande member of the complex is longer and wider than the Jacobina member whereas the manifold of the Sobral member was shorter than both other members of the complex. Overall, the secretory apparatus of the Sobral member was smaller than the other two. The manifold of M. migonei was very different to those found in Lu. longipalpis s.l. and was positioned in a pit-like structure within the tergal cuticle. The secretory reservoir was connected by a short duct to the manifold. Differences in the size and shape of the manifold may be related to the chemical structure of the pheromone and may have taxonomic value. Examination of the interior cuticle by SEM may help to locate the secretory apparatus of vector species where pheromonal activity has been inferred from behavioural studies but the external secretory structures or pheromones have not yet been found.

Phylogenetic analysis of the family Megalopodidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea): better taxon-sampling facilitates detection of new relationships and new taxa.

The systematics of Megalopodidae is not adequately known, in spite of it being a relatively small group of phytophagous beetles. The first phylogenetic analysis of Megalopodidae with a comprehensive generic representation (25 genera of 30 described, 10 subgenera and 77 species) is undertaken. A parsimony analysis under equal and implied weights was carried out based on 147 adult and larval morphological characters. Subfamilies Palophaginae and Zeugophorinae were recovered as monophyletic, by contrast with Megalopodinae, which proved to be paraphyletic. Atelederinae are proposed as a new subfamily. Also, three tribes and three subtribes within Megalopodinae are proposed: Leucasteini trib.n., Sphondyliini trib.n. and Megalopodini, the latter including Macrolophina subtrib.n., Temnaspidina subtrib.n. and Megalopodina. The genera Macrolopha, Kuilua, Poecilomorpha, Temnaspis, Antonaria, Agathomerus, Megalopus and Bothromegalopus were recovered as non-monophyletic. New delimitations of the polyphyletic genera Poecilomorpha and Macrolopha are proposed, Clythraxeloma is resurrected, and the subgenera of Agathomerus are suppressed. The following new combinations are proposed: Kuilua apicata (Fairmaire), K. nyassae (Jacoby), Poecilomorpha cribricollis (Pic), P. minuta (Pic), Clythraxeloma assamensis (Jacoby), C. bipartita (Lacordaeri), C. discolineata (Pic), C. downesii (Baly), C. gerstaeckeri (Westwood), C. laosensis (Pic), C. maculata (Pic), C. mouhoti (Baly), C. nigrocyanea (Motschulsky), C. pretiosa (Reineck), Temnaspis tricoloripes (Pic) and Barticaria faciatus (Dalman). Clythraxeloma cyanipennis Kraatz is a restored combination. Distribution patterns of Megalopodidae largely conform to the breakup of Gondwanaland, with its main clades having particular distributions: Andean-Australian (Palophaginae), Ethiopian (Leucasteini, Sphondyliini, and Macrolophina), Neotropical (Ateledrinae and Megalopodina) and Ethiopian-Oriental-Palaearctic (Temnaspidina the result of a secondary expansion. Zeugophorinae present a worldwide distribution, except for the Neotropical and Andean regions, which may be the result of geodispersal. The findings of the present study also shed light on groups with taxonomic issues, where phylogenetic analyses are strongly needed.

The Effect of Abdominal Anatomy on the Measurement of Bone Mineral Density With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of abdominal fat content and anatomical changes on the measurement of bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density measurements were performed with quantitative computed tomography for patients who underwent DXA and abdominal CT on the same day. The effects of abdominal fat content and anatomic changes on the results of DXA were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 88.3% were women, 11.7% were men, and the mean age was 55.6 years (range, 32-72). There was a significant relationship between the error in the measurement of T-scores with DXA and osteophytic new bone formation (P = 0.011). There were significant relationships between the error in detecting osteoporosis with DXA and osteophytic new bone formation, facet joint degeneration, and aortic calcification (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal fat content does not significantly affect T-scores. However, DXA can give false-negative results in detecting osteoporosis, especially in patients with osteophyte new bone formation, facet joint degeneration, and aortic calcifications, all conditions primarily in elderly patients. In these cases, it is more appropriate to use quantitative computed tomography instead of DXA.

Hairy-Layer Friction Reduction Mechanism in the Honeybee Abdomen.

Abdominal sections of honeybees undergo numerous reciprocating motions during their lifetime. However, the overlapped contact areas adjacent to the abdominal sections have a shallow wear extent, a physical mechanism that remains obscure to date. Therefore, this study explored a biofrictional reduction model based on a solid surface texture and the hairy surface of the honeybee abdomen. We collected honeybee samples and observed their abdomens using a camera (Zeiss Stemi 508). Subsequently, we sliced these samples using a microtome and detected their microscopic friction. The exterior surface of the honeybee abdomen was not smooth but was distributed with a dense microvilli structure, which played a vital role in adjusting the friction reduction characteristics between the abdominal sections. When the adjacent abdominal sections moved relatively to each other, their upper and lower surfaces were not in direct rigid contact. Briefly, this study shows that the microscale hair arrays on the surface of the posterior abdominal segment can significantly reduce real contact area and friction, which considerably decreases wear or abrasion. The friction reduction mechanism alleviates the abrasion during the relative bending movement and saves a large amount of energy, which is essential for the honeybees' daily activities. This microtexture compliance friction reduction characteristic could be used to fabricate hierarchical surfaces for long-lasting friction reduction mechanisms, which increase the life of soft devices, including soft actuators and hinges.

Topografia dos órgãos abdominais em Didelphis albiventris / Topography of abdominal organs in Didelphis albiventris

O conhecimento da localização dos órgãos nas diferentes regiões do corpo do animal é essencial para a prática clínica, cirúrgica e para o diagnóstico por imagem. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a anatomia topográfica abdominal do Didelphisalbiventris. Foram utilizados quatro cadáveres (animais jovens), dois destes destinados para o estudo macroscópico em peças a fresco e os outros fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. Os cadáveres foram dissecados e as estruturas anatômicas identificadas, analisadas e fotografadas. A maioria dos órgãos localizados na região abdominal dos cadáveres da espécie D. albiventris apresentou posição similar aos dos caninos, porém, alguns órgãos e a localização de determinadas estruturas apresentaram particularidades importantes, como a presença dos ossos epipúbicos, a ausência do lobo hepático quadrado, a presença de um ceco desenvolvido e o cólon dividido em três segmentos.

The knowledge about localization of organs in different regions of the animal's body is essential for clinical, surgical and diagnostic imaging practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the abdominal topographic anatomy of Didelphis albiventris. Was used four dead bodys (young animals), two of these was intended for the macroscopic study of fresh pieces and the others fixed in 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution. The corpses was dissected and the anatomic structures was identified, analyzed and photographed. Most of the organs located in the abdominal region of cadavers from species D. albiventris presented structure and position similar to canines, however some of these organs and localization of structures presented important particularities, like the presence of epipubic bones, absence of square hepatic lobe, presence of an developed cecum and colon divided into three segments.

What is the abdomen? Rationalising clinical and anatomical perspectives using formal semantics.

The meaning of the term 'abdomen' has become increasingly ambiguous, as it has to satisfy the contemporary requirements of natural language discourse, literature, gross and radiological anatomy and its role in ontologies supporting electronic records and data modelling. It is critical that there is an agreed understanding of the semantics of the abdominopelvic cavity, its component volumes including the abdomen proper, true and false pelvic cavities, and its boundaries and regional contents. The expression of part-whole (meronymic) relationships is essential for inferences to be drawn by computer algorithms, but unless these are rigorously reviewed and tested incorrect assumptions are drawn. The SNOMED CT terminology descriptions and hierarchy of anatomical concepts relating to the trunk were scrutinised for ambiguity and sub-optimal relationships using a panel of reference sources. Any identified errors were corrected and the impact of any changes reviewed iteratively by evaluating their effect on dependant hierarchies (modelled with the associated anatomical concepts). Anatomical concepts are generally structured according to a traditional gross standpoint, but in clinical practice covert complex regional notions are frequently used and during the evaluation process a new viewpoint relating to projectional (transmissive) or emissive radiological perspective was identified. The subtle but important differences in the boundaries, volumes and contents of these distinctive perspectives of the 'abdomen' are presented. Three significant complex variants have been identified which relate to the most common uses of the word 'abdomen'. The merits and disadvantages of using 'abdomen' as common synonym to more than one concept (polysemy) are briefly discussed and the solution adopted by SNOMED International described. The review of existing ontologies and academic literature confirmed the frequent varied use of the word 'abdomen', which raises concerns when derived data are increasingly being used remotely from the point of clinical contact, potentially leading to incorrect inferences. The documented regional truncal volumes from an anatomical regional, segmental and cross-sectional perspective have been integrated into a logical and comprehensive model suitable for computer processing. The robust modelling of meronymic hierarchies has to be rigorous to avoid systematic errors and it is thus timely that a proposed standard description of these subtly related volumes and structures is made available for discussion and comment.

Abdominal-B regulates structure and development of the Harmonia axyridis cremaster.

The ladybird Harmonia axyridis is an insect that exhibits pupal attachment to plants, which facilitates development and environmental adaptation. The cremaster is highly specialized for this behavior. However, the underlying molecular regulation of the cremaster remains unclear; therefore, we performed experiments to investigate the transcriptional regulation of cremaster development. First, we examined the morphological structure of the cremaster to reveal its function in pupal attachment of H. axyridis. Next, we analyzed the Hox gene Ha-Abd-B using RNA interference (RNAi) to determine its function in regulating cremaster formation; Ha-Abd-B up-regulation promoted effective pupal attachment, whereas successful RNAi caused severe down-regulation of this gene, and pupae were unable to attach. Furthermore, successful RNAi and subsequent Ha-Abd-B down-regulation caused phenotypic changes in cremaster structure, including its complete disappearance from some individuals. Finally, we observed unique development of the cremaster and dynamic expression of Ha-Abd-B during pre-pupal development; consequently, we hypothesized that there was specific pre-pupal development of the cremaster. Overall, based on these results, the specialized cremasteric structure located on the posterior side of H. axyridis was determined to be a key organ for pupal attachment. Cremaster identification in H. axyridis is regulated by Ha-Abd-B and exhibits preferential development. Pupal attachment of H. axyridis reveals an environmental adaptation of this species; thus, this study and future molecular studies will help determine the role of Hox genes in regulation of insect attachment and further our understanding of the multiple functions of Hox genes.

The Impact of Radiation Energy on Dose Homogeneity and Organ Dose in the Göttingen Minipig Total-Body Irradiation Model.

Animal models of total-body irradiation (TBI) are used to elucidate normal tissue damage and evaluate the efficacy of medical countermeasures (MCM). The accuracy of these TBI models depends on the reproducibility of the radiation dose-response relationship for lethality, which in turn is highly dependent on robust radiation physics and dosimetry. However, the precise levels of radiation each organ absorbs can change dramatically when different photon beam qualities are used, due to the interplay between their penetration and the natural variation of animal sizes and geometries. In this study, we evaluate the effect of varying the radiation energy, namely cobalt-60 (Co-60); of similar penetration to a 4-MV polyenergetic beam), 6 MV and 15 MV, in the absorbed dose delivered by TBI to individual organs of eight Göttingen minipigs of varying weights (10.3-24.1 kg) and dimensions (17.5-25 cm width). The main organs, i.e. heart, lungs, esophagus, stomach, bowels, liver, kidneys and bladder, were contoured by an experienced radiation oncologist, and the volumetric radiation dose distribution was calculated using a commercial treatment planning system commissioned and validated for Co-60, 6-MV and 15-MV teletherapy units. The dose is normalized to the intended prescription at midline in the abdomen. For each animal and each energy, the body and organ dose volume histograms (DVHs) were computed. The results show that more penetrating photon energies produce dose distributions that are systematically and consistently more homogeneous and more uniform, both within individual organs and between different organs, across all animals. Thoracic organs (lungs, heart) received higher dose than prescribed while pelvic organs (bowel, bladder) received less dose than prescribed, due to smaller and wider separations, respectively. While these trends were slightly more pronounced in the smallest animals (10.3 kg, 19 cm abdominal width) and largest animals (>20 kg, ∼25 cm abdominal width), they were observed in all animals, including those in the 9-15 kg range typically used in MCM models. Some organs received an average absorbed dose representing <80% of prescribed dose when Co-60 was used, whereas all organs received average doses of >87% and >93% when 6 and 15 MV were used, respectively. Similarly, average dose to the thoracic organs reached as high as 125% of the intended dose with Co-60, compared to 115% for 15 MV. These results indicate that Co-60 consistently produces less uniform dose distributions in the Göttingen minipig compared to 6 and 15 MV. Moreover, heterogeneity of dose distributions for Co-60 is accentuated by anatomical and geometrical variations across various animals, leading to different absorbed dose delivered to organs for different animals. This difference in absorbed radiation organ doses, likely caused by the lower penetration of Co-60 and 6 MV compared to 15 MV, could potentially lead to different biological outcomes. While the link between the dose distribution and variation of biological outcome in the Göttingen minipig has never been explicitly studied, more pronounced dose heterogeneity within and between organs treated with Co-60 teletherapy units represents an additional confounding factor which can be easily mitigated by using a more penetrating energy.

Comparative study of sensilla and other tegumentary structures of Myrmeleontidae larvae (Insecta, Neuroptera).

Antlion larvae have a complex tegumentary sensorial equipment. The sensilla and other kinds of larval tegumentary structures have been studied in 29 species of 18 genera within family Myrmeleontidae, all of them with certain degree of psammophilous lifestyle. The adaptations for such lifestyle are probably related to the evolutionary success of this lineage within Neuroptera. We identified eight types of sensory structures, six types of sensilla (excluding typical long bristles) and two other specialized tegumentary structures. Both sensilla and other types of structures that have been observed using scanning electron microscopy show similar patterns in terms of occurrence and density in all the studied species (with few exceptions). The sensilla identified are: coeloconica, placoidea, basiconica, trichodea type I, trichodea type II, and campaniformia. All these sensilla have mechano- or chemosensorial functions. Some regions of the larval body have been studied using SEM for the first time, such as the surface of the food canal, which bears sensilla coeloconica, and the abdominal segment X, that bears three types of sensilla: coeloconica, basiconica, and campaniformia. Sensilla placodea are newly reported on antlion larvae, being present on the mandibular base, pronotum, mentum, and cardum. Also, new locations of sensilla coeloconica (e.g., on rastra) and sensilla campaniformia (e.g., on odontoid processes) are noted. A novel porous texture with chemoreceptor function has been identified in the base of mandibles. A mechanism of dentate-notched surfaces that anchor maxillae and mandible, reinforcing the food canal, is detailed. All these sensorial structures, in addition to ocular tubercles for light caption and their great muscular system, confer to these larvae an extraordinary predation capacity to success hunting and living in such harsh environments.

Primo Bundles Identified by Microcomputed Tomography in Primo Vascular Tissue on the Surface of Rat Abdominal Organs.

BACKGROUND: The primo vascular system (PVS) is a novel network composed of primo nodes (PNs) and primo vessels (PVs). Currently, its anatomy is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to elucidate the three-dimensional PN-PV structure. METHODS: Organ-surface PVS tissue was isolated from healthy and anemic rats. The tissues were analyzed by X-ray microcomputed tomography (CT), hematoxylin and eosin staining, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: From CT images, we identified one or more bundles in a PV. In the PN, the bundles were enlarged and existed in isolation and/or in anastomosis. The transverse CT images revealed four areas of distinct intensities: zero, low, intermediate, and high. The first two were considered to be the sinuses and the subvessels of the PVS and were identified in the hematoxylin and eosin-stained PN sections. The enlargement of the PN from anemic rats was associated with an increase in the intermediate-intensity area. The high-intensity area demarcated the bundle and was overlapped with the mesothelial cells. In scanning electron microscopy, the PV bundles branched out, tapering down to a single bundle at some distance from the PN. Each bundle was composed of several subvessels (∼5 µm). Clustered round microcells (1-25 µm), scattered flat oval cells (∼15 µm), and amorphous extracellular matrix were observed on the surface of the PVS tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results newly showed that the primo bundle is a structural unit of both PVs and PNs. A bundle was demarcated by high CT intensity and mesothelial cells and consisted of multiple subvessels. The PN bundles contained also sinuses.

The combination of symphysis-fundal height and abdominal circumference as a novel predictor of macrosomia in GDM and normal pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Macrosomia is a major adverse pregnancy outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Although BMI, symphysis-fundal height (SFH) and abdominal circumference (AC) are associated with foetal weight, there are some limitations to their use, especially for the prediction of macrosomia. This study aimed to identify a novel predictive methodology to improve the prediction of high-risk macrosomia. METHODS: Clinical information was collected from 3730 patients. The association between the ISFHAC (index of the SFH algorithm multiplied by the square of AC) and foetal weight was determined and validated. A new index, the ISFHAC, was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1087 GDM and 657 normal singleton pregnancies were analysed. The ISFHAC was positively correlated with foetal weight in GDM pregnancies and normal pregnancies (NPs). The AUCs of the ISFHAC were 0.815 in the GDM group and 0.804 in the NP group, which were higher than those of BMI, SFH, AC and GA. The ISFHAC cut-off points were 41.7 and 37 in the GDM and NP groups, respectively. The sensitivity values for the prediction of macrosomia with high ISFHAC values were 75.9 and 81.3% in the GDM and NP groups, respectively, which were higher than those with BMI. Regarding the validation data, the sensitivity values for prediction with high ISFHAC values were 78.9% (559 GDM pregnancies) and 78.3% (1427 NPs). CONCLUSIONS: The ISFHAC can be regarded as a new predictor of and risk factor for macrosomia in GDM pregnancy and NP.

Abdominal and pelvic adipose tissue distribution and risk of prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Fat distribution varies between individuals of similar body mass index (BMI). We hypothesized that visceral obesity is more strongly associated with poor prostate cancer outcomes than overall obesity defined by BMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We quantified abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat area (VFA and SFA), and pelvic periprostatic adipose tissue area (PPAT), using computed tomography scans from radiation-treated prostate cancer patients at the Durham North Carolina Veterans Administration Hospital. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression examined associations between each adiposity measure and risk of recurrence, overall and stratified by race and receipt of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). RESULTS: Of 401 patients (59% black) treated from 2005 to 2011, 84 (21%) experienced recurrence during 9.3 years median follow-up. Overall, obesity defined by BMI was not associated with recurrence risk overall or stratified by race or ADT, nor was any measure of fat distribution related to the risk of recurrence overall or by race. However, higher VFA was associated with increased risk of recurrence in men who received radiation only (hazard ratio [HR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-3.66), but inversely associated with recurrence risk in men treated with radiation and ADT (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24-1.03; P-interaction = .002), though neither association reached statistical significance. Similar patterns of ADT-stratified associations were observed for PPAT and SFA. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between abdominal and pelvic adiposity measures and recurrence risk differed significantly by ADT receipt, with positive directions of association observed only in men not receiving ADT. If confirmed, our findings suggest that obesity may have varying effects on prostate cancer progression risk dependent on the hormonal state of the individual.

Producing 3D printed high-fidelity retroperitoneal models from in vivo patient data: The Oxford Method.

Macroscopic anatomy has traditionally been taught using cadaveric material, lectures and a variable amount of additional resources such as online modules. Anatomical models have also been used to assist in teaching. Of these, traditional plastic models have been shown to be effective educational tools, yet have significant drawbacks such as a lack of anatomical detail and texturisation. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models stand to solve these problems and widen access to high-quality anatomical teaching. This paper outlines the use of 3D multi-planar imaging (CT and MRI) as a framework to develop an accurate model of the retroperitoneum. CT and MRI scans were used to construct a virtual 3D model of the retroperitoneum. This was printed locally as a full-size colour model for use in medical education. We give a complete account of the processes and software used. This study is amongst the first of a series in which we will document the newly formed Oxford Library of Anatomy. This series will provide the methodology for the production of models from CT and MRI scans, and the Oxford Library of Anatomy will provide a complete series of some of the most complex anatomical areas and ones which degrade quickly when a real cadaver is being used. In our own internal experience, the models are highly accurate, reproducible and durable, as compared to prosected specimens. We hope they will form an important adjunct in the teaching of the subject.

Automated Measurement of Heart Girth for Pigs Using Two Kinect Depth Sensors.

The heart girth parameter is an important indicator reflecting the growth and development of pigs that provides critical guidance for the optimization of healthy pig breeding. To overcome the heavy workloads and poor adaptability of traditional measurement methods currently used in pig breeding, this paper proposes an automated pig heart girth measurement method using two Kinect depth sensors. First, a two-view pig depth image acquisition platform is established for data collection; the two-view point clouds after preprocessing are registered and fused by feature-based improved 4-Point Congruent Set (4PCS) method. Second, the fused point cloud is pose-normalized, and the axillary contour is used to automatically extract the heart girth measurement point. Finally, this point is taken as the starting point to intercept the circumferential perpendicular to the ground from the pig point cloud, and the complete heart girth point cloud is obtained by mirror symmetry. The heart girth is measured along this point cloud using the shortest path method. Using the proposed method, experiments were conducted on two-view data from 26 live pigs. The results showed that the heart girth measurement absolute errors were all less than 4.19 cm, and the average relative error was 2.14%, which indicating a high accuracy and efficiency of this method.