scholarly journals Polar Histograms of Curvature for Quantifying Skeletal Joint Shape and Congruence

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eni Halilaj ◽  
David H. Laidlaw ◽  
Douglas C. Moore ◽  
Joseph J. Crisco

The effect of articular joint shape and congruence on kinematics, contact stress, and the natural progression of joint disease continues to be a topic of interest in the orthopedic biomechanics literature. Currently, the most widely used metrics of assessing skeletal joint shape and congruence are based on average principal curvatures across the articular surfaces. Here we propose a method for comparing articular joint shape and quantifying joint congruence based on three-dimensional (3D) histograms of curvature—shape descriptors that preserve spatial information. Illustrated by experimental results from the trapeziometacarpal joint, this method could help unveil the interrelations between joint shape and function and provide much needed insight for the high incidence of osteoarthritis (OA)—a mechanically mediated disease whose onset has been hypothesized to be precipitated by joint incongruity.

Author(s):  
Graham Chapman ◽  
Philip Helliwell

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking. This chapter summarizes currently available gait analysis techniques that are available to the clinician and researcher. Gait analysis can be used alongside clinical history and examination and other special investigations to gain a better understanding of the relationship between joint disease, impairment, and compensatory gait mechanisms. Abnormal pathology leads to abnormal biomechanics, and tools that demonstrate these changes can lead to insights into the effects of the disease on function, in disease progression, and the impact of physical treatments. Plantar pressure measurement techniques yield valuable information on structure and function and are probably the most likely tool to be used in clinical practice. Three-dimensional joint kinematic and kinetic analyses are more difficult to perform and interpret and are likely to remain largely research tools. Gait analysis techniques will drive experimental work to further advance core knowledge and inform future development of customized approaches to conservative therapies such as footwear and orthosis manufacture, as well as foot surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiki Murata ◽  
Ryota Fujimoto ◽  
Koichi Nakayama

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major joint disease that promotes locomotor deficiency during the middle- to old-age, with the associated disability potentially decreasing quality of life. Recently, surgical strategies to reconstruct both articular cartilage and subchondral bone for OA have been diligently investigated for restoring joint structure and function. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs), which maintain pluripotency and self-proliferation ability, have recently received attention as a useful tool to regenerate osteocartilage for OA. In this review, several studies were described related to AT-MSC spheroids, with scaffold and scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) constructs produced using “mold” or “Kenzan” methods for osteochondral regeneration. First, several examples of articular cartilage regeneration using AT-MSCs were introduced. Second, studies of osteochondral regeneration (not only cartilage but also subchondral bone) using AT-MSCs were described. Third, examples were presented wherein spheroids were produced using AT-MSCs for cartilage regeneration. Fourth, osteochondral regeneration following autologous implantation of AT-MSC scaffold-free 3D constructs, fabricated using the “mold” or “Kenzan” method, was considered. Finally, prospects of osteochondral regeneration by scaffold-free 3D constructs using AT-MSC spheroids were discussed.


Author(s):  
M. Boublik ◽  
W. Hellmann ◽  
F. Jenkins

The present knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of ribosomes is far too limited to enable a complete understanding of the various roles which ribosomes play in protein biosynthesis. The spatial arrangement of proteins and ribonuclec acids in ribosomes can be analysed in many ways. Determination of binding sites for individual proteins on ribonuclec acid and locations of the mutual positions of proteins on the ribosome using labeling with fluorescent dyes, cross-linking reagents, neutron-diffraction or antibodies against ribosomal proteins seem to be most successful approaches. Structure and function of ribosomes can be correlated be depleting the complete ribosomes of some proteins to the functionally inactive core and by subsequent partial reconstitution in order to regain active ribosomal particles.


Author(s):  
Peter Sterling

The synaptic connections in cat retina that link photoreceptors to ganglion cells have been analyzed quantitatively. Our approach has been to prepare serial, ultrathin sections and photograph en montage at low magnification (˜2000X) in the electron microscope. Six series, 100-300 sections long, have been prepared over the last decade. They derive from different cats but always from the same region of retina, about one degree from the center of the visual axis. The material has been analyzed by reconstructing adjacent neurons in each array and then identifying systematically the synaptic connections between arrays. Most reconstructions were done manually by tracing the outlines of processes in successive sections onto acetate sheets aligned on a cartoonist's jig. The tracings were then digitized, stacked by computer, and printed with the hidden lines removed. The results have provided rather than the usual one-dimensional account of pathways, a three-dimensional account of circuits. From this has emerged insight into the functional architecture.


Author(s):  
M. Boublik ◽  
N. Robakis ◽  
J.S. Wall

The three-dimensional structure and function of biological supramolecular complexes are, in general, determined and stabilized by conformation and interactions of their macromolecular components. In the case of ribosomes, it has been suggested that one of the functions of ribosomal RNAs is to act as a scaffold maintaining the shape of the ribosomal subunits. In order to investigate this question, we have conducted a comparative TEM and STEM study of the structure of the small 30S subunit of E. coli and its 16S RNA.The conventional electron microscopic imaging of nucleic acids is performed by spreading them in the presence of protein or detergent; the particles are contrasted by electron dense solution (uranyl acetate) or by shadowing with metal (tungsten). By using the STEM on freeze-dried specimens we have avoided the shearing forces of the spreading, and minimized both the collapse of rRNA due to air drying and the loss of resolution due to staining or shadowing. Figure 1, is a conventional (TEM) electron micrograph of 30S E. coli subunits contrasted with uranyl acetate.


Author(s):  
G. Jacobs ◽  
F. Theunissen

In order to understand how the algorithms underlying neural computation are implemented within any neural system, it is necessary to understand details of the anatomy, physiology and global organization of the neurons from which the system is constructed. Information is represented in neural systems by patterns of activity that vary in both their spatial extent and in the time domain. One of the great challenges to microscopists is to devise methods for imaging these patterns of activity and to correlate them with the underlying neuroanatomy and physiology. We have addressed this problem by using a combination of three dimensional reconstruction techniques, quantitative analysis and computer visualization techniques to build a probabilistic atlas of a neural map in an insect sensory system. The principal goal of this study was to derive a quantitative representation of the map, based on a uniform sample of afferents that was of sufficient size to allow statistically meaningful analyses of the relationships between structure and function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Asada-Utsugi ◽  
K. Uemura ◽  
M. Kubota ◽  
Y. Noda ◽  
Y. Tashiro ◽  
...  

AbstractN-cadherin is a homophilic cell adhesion molecule that stabilizes excitatory synapses, by connecting pre- and post-synaptic termini. Upon NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation by glutamate, membrane-proximal domains of N-cadherin are cleaved serially by a-disintegrin-and-metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and then presenilin 1(PS1, catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase complex). To assess the physiological significance of the initial N-cadherin cleavage, we engineer the mouse genome to create a knock-in allele with tandem missense mutations in the mouse N-cadherin/Cadherin-2 gene (Cdh2R714G, I715D, or GD) that confers resistance on proteolysis by ADAM10 (GD mice). GD mice showed a better performance in the radial maze test, with significantly less revisiting errors after intervals of 30 and 300 s than WT, and a tendency for enhanced freezing in fear conditioning. Interestingly, GD mice reveal higher complexity in the tufts of thorny excrescence in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Fine morphometry with serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction reveals significantly higher synaptic density, significantly smaller PSD area, and normal dendritic spine volume in GD mice. This knock-in mouse has provided in vivo evidence that ADAM10-mediated cleavage is a critical step in N-cadherin shedding and degradation and involved in the structure and function of glutamatergic synapses, which affect the memory function.


Vascular ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 170853812199650
Author(s):  
Joseph Edwards ◽  
Hossam Abdou ◽  
Neerav Patel ◽  
Marta J Madurska ◽  
Kelly Poe ◽  
...  

Objectives Swine ( Sus Scrofa) are utilized broadly in research settings, given similarities to human vessel size and function; however, there are some important differences for clinicians to understand in order to interpret and perform translational research. This review article uses angiograms acquired in the course of a translational research program to present a description of the functional anatomy of the swine. Methods Digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography were obtained throughout the course of multiple studies utilizing power injection with iodinated contrast. Subtracted two-dimensional images and three-dimensional multiplanar reformations were utilized post image acquisition to create maximal intensity projections and three-dimensional renderings of using open-source software (OsiriX). These imaging data are presented along with vessel measurements for reference. Results An atlas highlighting swine vascular anatomy, with an emphasis on inter-species differences that may influence how studies are conducted and interpreted, was compiled. Conclusions Swine are utilized in broad-reaching fields for preclinical research. While many similarities between human and swine vasculature exist, there are important differences to consider when conducting and interpreting research. This review article highlights these differences and presents accompanying images to inform clinicians gaining experience in swine research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 540-555
Author(s):  
Hayley L. Mickleburgh ◽  
Liv Nilsson Stutz ◽  
Harry Fokkens

Abstract The reconstruction of past mortuary rituals and practices increasingly incorporates analysis of the taphonomic history of the grave and buried body, using the framework provided by archaeothanatology. Archaeothanatological analysis relies on interpretation of the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of bones within the grave and traditionally depends on elaborate written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) images of the remains during excavation to capture this spatial information. With the rapid development of inexpensive 3D tools, digital replicas (3D models) are now commonly available to preserve 3D information on human burials during excavation. A procedure developed using a test case to enhance archaeothanatological analysis and improve post-excavation analysis of human burials is described. Beyond preservation of static spatial information, 3D visualization techniques can be used in archaeothanatology to reconstruct the spatial displacement of bones over time, from deposition of the body to excavation of the skeletonized remains. The purpose of the procedure is to produce 3D simulations to visualize and test archaeothanatological hypotheses, thereby augmenting traditional archaeothanatological analysis. We illustrate our approach with the reconstruction of mortuary practices and burial taphonomy of a Bell Beaker burial from the site of Oostwoud-Tuithoorn, West-Frisia, the Netherlands. This case study was selected as the test case because of its relatively complete context information. The test case shows the potential for application of the procedure to older 2D field documentation, even when the amount and detail of documentation is less than ideal.


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