3D Analysis Research Articles

Characterization of mitochondrial DNA mutations in colorectal cancer progression by in silico approach and use as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis

BackgroundMitochondrial DNA variants are significant contributors to cancer progression, as evidenced by numerous findings. This study focuses on characterizing mitochondrial DNA mutations in colorectal cancer progression and their potential as biomarkers.MethodologyNext generation sequencing technology was employed to analyze mitochondrial DNA variants in tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 25 patients with colon/rectal cancer. In silico prediction tools (SIFT, Polyphen2, Mutation Assessor, and SNP&GO) were utilized to assess the pathogenicity of these variants. Additionally, homology modeling of mutated protein structures was conducted, and molecular dynamic simulations were performed to assess the impact of mutation on protein function.ResultsEighteen variants were identified across most tumor tissue samples, located in genes from Complex I, IV, and V. Among the identified variants, the V302M and S461 mutations in the MT-ND5 gene and L137F and L220P mutations in the ATP6 gene were predicted to be deleterious, potentially affecting protein function. 3D structural analysis of both wild-type and mutant proteins of MT-ND5 revealed changes in flexibility for the V302M and S461G mutations. The MT-ATP6 mutations L135F and L220P disrupt the interactions with surrounding residues and affect the overall function of protein. Further changes in protein dynamics of the mutated proteins by molecular dynamic simulations also indicate the effects; the mutations have on protein function.ConclusionMT-ND5 and MT-ATP6 variants could serve as potential biomarkers and drug targets in colorectal cancer. This study underscores the significance of mitochondrial DNA variants in cancer progression.

The ventricular septal defect in tetralogy of Fallot: A multi-centre morphological and statistical shape analysis study

Abstract Background Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are often thought to be ‘large and unrestricted’ but experience suggests they have a more heterogenous morphology. Understanding the morphological variations and dimensions is the first step in modifying surgical closure or optimising potential device design. Purpose The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive multi-center morphological analysis of the characteristics of the VSD in TOF. Additionally, we sought to perform a preliminary 2D shape analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) on standardised photos of the VSDs. Through this multi-dimensional approach, we aim to elucidate the morphological variations and structural characteristics of the VSD in TOF as a basis for future 3D shape analysis. Methods Of 495 specimens analysed, 460 were included in the morphological analysis. Standardised protocol was applied to assess the characteristics of the VSD: basic measurements of the height, width, inferior limb, and length of the inferior fibrous rim (if perimembranous) were taken and indexed to ventricular length. The degree of aortic override and presence of aorto-mitral continuity were also documented with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) being defined as more than 50% of aorta supported by the right ventricle. Statistical analysis was performed to assess variations in TOF morphology across different age groups and disease phenotypes. Standardised photographs of 130 VSDs were taken from the right ventricle and traced for PCA, in order to assess shape variations among the VSDs. Results Both the length of the inferior limb of the PM VSD and the length of the fibrous rim increased with ventricular length but the rate of change was lower for the fibrous rim. A chi-square analysis comparing the presence of double outlet right ventricle and the presence of a fibrous continuity between the aortic and mitral valves showed no association between these features (p = 0.89). The results of PCA in the indexed datasets showed that the largest variation was in the size of the VSD and then from the shape of the VSD where two distinct morphologies emerged: a classic V-shaped VSD and wide but shallow variant. Discussion Our study challenges conventional definitions and assumptions regarding the morphological characteristics of the VSD in TOF and suggests that components may change size at differing rates. Our study conclusively shows that DORV and TOF can co-exist and the definition of DORV should be made independently of the presence of aorto-mitral continuity. Contrary to the traditional view of TOF featuring large unrestricted VSDs, our findings suggest wide shallow VSDs are common. These findings challenge paradigms and underscore a necessity for the continuing morphological re-evaluation of TOF utilising large datasets with a diverse phenotypic spread.

In-depth morphological and functional analysis of ATTR-CA myocardial cells and niche by electron microscopic 3D reconstruction

Abstract Background Cell-cell interactions and interplay with extracellular matrix are known to be important in the steady state and pathological conditions, including wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (wtATTR-CA). However, alterations of the microstructure of cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiac niches have not been well analyzed. Normal histological staining is usually limited in resolution, and 2D electron microscopy cannot capture stereoscopic images or the distribution of target particles and organelles in intra- and extracellular 3D space, so novel methods are being attempted. Methods and Results Using Serial Block Face-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM) and a 3D structural reconstruction system, we for the first time investigated the microstructure of human myocardial tissue from control hypertrophied heart (hypertensive heart disease) and wtATTR-CA patients. The microstructure of myocardial niche, cell morphology/numbers, and the distribution of intracellular organelles such as intercalated discs (ICDs) were compared to control endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) samples (2 controls vs 5 wtATTR-CA patients). In all wtATTR-CA samples, amyloid fibers were deposited originating around the capillary structures with various electron densities, compressing myocardial cells not only from the periphery but also dividing them from the center of the cell body, and CMs showed degeneration and dwarfing according to the severity of amyloid fiber deposition (Figure 1). The capillary structures showed degeneration and narrowing with stratified basement membrane, and rarefaction (3378±216.5 vs 1448±116.8/mm2, p<0.0001). Notably, the stromal cells (pericytes, fibroblasts, macrophages) were more likely buried by amyloid fibers than CMs, and their numbers were also reduced, indicating a loss of adjacent and intercellular interaction with capillaries and CMs (Fig. 2, 1892±194.4 vs 1189±107.4 mm2, p=0.0043). This method can also be used to analyze intracellular organelles and microstructures in CMs. In ATTR-CA, morphological abnormalities were observed in ICDs (Figure 3) and mitochondria. Conclusion In the ATTR-CM patients, there was a significant decrease in the number of capillaries in accordance with the deposition of myocardial amyloid fibers, as well as a decrease in stromal cells. These results support the hypothesis that amyloid fibril deposition not only causes chronic myocardial ischemia, but also reduces the number of niche cells, which play a supportive role for CM function and entirely exacerbate the damage. The SBF-SEM is an innovative tool for 3D imaging and quantitative analysis of myocardial ultrastructure and functions.Methods & Figure 1Figure 2 and Figure 3

High variability exists in 3D leg alignment analysis, but underlying principles that might lead to agreement on a universal framework could be identified: A systematic review.

To (1) investigate the hypothesis that there is high variability in the reported methods to derive axes and joint orientations from three-dimensional (3D) bone models to (a) perform 3D knee-related leg alignment analysis and (b) define coordinate systems for the femur, tibia and leg and (2) identify underlying principles that might lead to agreement on a universal 3D leg alignment analysis framework. A systematic review of the literature between January 2006 and June 2024 was performed. Articles explicitly reporting methods to derive axes and joint orientations from CT-based 3D bone models for alignment parameters and/or coordinate systems of the femur, tibia and leg were included. Study characteristics and reported methods were extracted and presented as a qualitative synthesis. A total of 93 studies were included. There was high variability in the reported methods to derive axes and joint orientations from 3D bone models. Nevertheless, the reported methods could be categorized into four groups, and several underlying principles of the four groups could be identified. Furthermore, the definitions of femoral and tibial coordinate systems were most frequently based on the mechanical axis (femoral, 13/19 [68%]; tibial, 13/26 [50%]) and a central medial-lateral axis (femoral, 16/19 [84%]; tibial, 12/26 [46%]); no leg coordinate system was reported. Interestingly, of the included studies that reported on leg alignment parameters (76/93, 82%), only a minority reported expressing these in a complete coordinate system (25/76, 33%). There is high variability in 3D knee-related leg alignment analysis. Therefore, universal 3D reference values for alignment parameters cannot yet be defined, and comparison of alignment parameter values between different studies is impossible. However, several underlying principles to the reported methods were identified, which could serve to reach more agreement on a future universal 3D framework for leg alignment analysis. Level I (1).

Establishing the Reliability of the GaitON® Motion Analysis System: A Foundational Study for Gait and Posture Analysis in a Healthy Population.

Gait and posture analysis plays a crucial role in understanding human movement, with significant applications in rehabilitation, sports science, and clinical settings. The GaitON® system, a 2D motion analysis tool, provides an accessible and cost-effective method for assessing gait and posture. However, its reliability in clinical practice, particularly for intra-rater consistency, remains to be evaluated. This study aims to assess the intra-rater reliability of the GaitON® system in a healthy population, focusing on gait and posture parameters. A total of 20 healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) aged 18 to 50 years were recruited for the study. Each participant underwent gait and posture assessments using the GaitON® system on two separate occasions, spaced one week apart. Video recordings from anterior and posterior views were used to analyze gait, while images from anterior, posterior, and lateral views were captured to assess posture with markers placed on key anatomical landmarks. The reliability of the measurements was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), a standard error of measurement (SEM), and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) method. The GaitON® system demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability across a wide range of gait and posture parameters. ICC values for gait parameters, including hip, knee, and ankle joint angles, ranged from 0.90 to 0.979, indicating strong consistency in repeated measurements. Similarly, ICC values for posture parameters, such as the head alignment, shoulder position, and ASIS alignment, were above 0.90, reflecting excellent reliability. SEM values were low across all parameters, with the smallest SEM recorded for the hip joint angle (0.37°), and SDD values further confirmed the precision of the system. The GaitON® system provides reliable and consistent measurements for both gait and posture analysis in healthy individuals. Its high intra-rater reliability and low measurement error make it a promising tool for clinical and sports applications. Further research is needed to validate its use in clinical populations and compare its performance to more complex 3D motion analysis systems.

A new cis‐clerodane‐type furanoditerpenoid from the leaves of Tinospora crispa with inhibitory effect on LPS induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells

AbstractThree cis‐clerodane‐type furanoditerpenoids (1‐3) including one new compound named tinocrioside D (1) together with four known compounds (4‐7) were isolated from the leaves of Tinospora crispa. Their chemical structures were determined based on the 1D, 2D‐NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, and ECD data analyses in comparison with the reported data. Compounds 1–3 showed weak inhibition of LPS‐induced NO production in mouse mononuclear macrophages.

DSGI‐Net: Density‐based Selective Grouping Point Cloud Learning Network for Indoor Scene

AbstractIndoor scene point clouds exhibit diverse distributions and varying levels of sparsity, characterized by more intricate geometry and occlusion compared to outdoor scenes or individual objects. Despite recent advancements in 3D point cloud analysis introducing various network architectures, there remains a lack of frameworks tailored to the unique attributes of indoor scenarios. To address this, we propose DSGI‐Net, a novel indoor scene point cloud learning network that can be integrated into existing models. The key innovation of this work is selectively grouping more informative neighbor points in sparse regions and promoting semantic consistency of the local area where different instances are in proximity but belong to distinct categories. Furthermore, our method encodes both semantic and spatial relationships between points in local regions to reduce the loss of local geometric details. Extensive experiments on the ScanNetv2, SUN RGB‐D, and S3DIS indoor scene benchmarks demonstrate that our method is straightforward yet effective.

Sodium polyacrylate hydrogel electrolyte: Flexible rechargeable supercapacitor using thermally reduced graphene oxide nanosheets

The alternative source of the gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is introduced by developing the sodium polyacrylate (S-PANa) solid hydrogel electrolyte, which is the front runner in the recent flexible and wearable electronic devices due to their excellent mechanical property, high ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability. In this work, we synthesized the S-PANa solid hydrogel electrolyte and utilized it for the flexible symmetric supercapacitor using thermally reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (TRGO) coated on carbon cloth as an electrode. The prepared S-PANa hydrogel is of a highly porous nature and has better surface roughness, as examined by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and 3D nano profiler analysis. The electrochemical characterization of the assembled flexible solid-state hydrogel supercapacitor (FSHSC) reveals the electric double-layer capacitive behavior with an excellent device capacitance of 45.77 mF/cm2. The significant role of diffusion charge re-distribution, overcharging issues, ohmic drop, and leakage current of the FSHSC is studied, followed by self-discharge and leakage current analysis. Moreover, the FSHSC device delivers the maximum energy density of 5.15 μWh/cm2 with a remarkable retention capacitance of 99 % over 10,000 continuous cycles. Further, in practical utilization, the solar-charged FSHSC device can effectively power the electronic LED for a long duration and enhance its efficiency for the development of a sustainable backup power system. Overall, these experimental results demonstrated the significant use of the S-PANa hydrogel-based flexible device, which can be an alternative source in future energy storage systems instead of using gel electrolyte-based flexible devices.

Genetic variation, structural analysis, and virulence implications of BimA and BimC in clinical isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Thailand

Melioidosis is a life-threatening tropical disease caused by an intracellular gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. pseudomallei polymerizes the host cell actin through autotransporters, BimA, and BimC, to facilitate intracellular motility. Two variations of BimA in B. pseudomallei have been reported previously: BimABp and BimA B. mallei-like (BimABm). However, little is known about genetic sequence variations within BimA and BimC, and their potential effect on the virulence of B. pseudomallei. This study analyzed 1,294 genomes from clinical isolates of patients admitted to nine hospitals in northeast Thailand between 2015 and 2018 and performed 3D structural analysis and plaque-forming efficiency assay. The genomic analysis identified 10 BimABp and 5 major BimC types, in the dominant and non-dominant lineages of the B. pseudomallei population structure. Our protein prediction analysis of all BimABp and major BimC variants revealed that their 3D structures were conserved compared to those of B. pseudomallei K96243. Sixteen representative strains of the most distant BimABp types were tested for plaque formation and the development of polar actin tails in A549 epithelial cells. We found that all isolates retained these functions. These findings enhance our understanding of the prevalence of BimABp and BimC variants and their implications for B. pseudomallei virulence.

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Bone–Implant Contact in Three Short Dental Implant Models with Varying Osseointegration Percentages

Objectives: Dental implants have become a cornerstone of restorative dentistry, providing a long-lasting method for tooth replacement. The degree of osseointegration has a significant effect on biomechanical stability at the bone–implant contact (BIC), determining the continued efficacy of these implants. However, the exact consequences of changing osseointegration levels on different implant designs, especially in bones with variable densities, are not well known. Methods: This study used 3D finite element analysis (FEA) to look at the biomechanical performance of three short dental implants: BioMet 3iT3, Straumann® Standard Plus Short-Regular Neck (SPS-RN), and Straumann® Standard Plus Short-Wide Neck (SPS-WN). This paper tested the implants at four stages of osseointegration: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in both high-density (bone type III) and low-density (bone type IV) cancellous bone. It also created and examined realistic CAD models under static occlusal loading conditions to assess stress distribution and major strains at the bone–implant contact. Results: The study discovered that as osseointegration increases, von Mises stress and principal strains go down significantly for all implant types. The SPS-WN implant had the lowest strain values, especially for bone with low density. These reductions demonstrate increased mechanical stability as the bone–implant interface becomes more capable of dispersing mechanical stresses, minimizing the potential for localized deformation and bone resorption. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of achieving optimum osseointegration to reduce mechanical stress and increase the lifespan of dental implants. The SPS-WN type implant performed better in biomechanical tests than the others, especially when bone conditions were not ideal. This makes it a great choice for clinical applications that need long-term implant success.

New sesquiterpenes from the soft coral Litophyton arboreum.

Two new sesquiterpenes; 8α,11-dihydroxy-β-cyperon (2), and 5-epi-7α-hydroxy-( +)-oplopanone (3), were isolated from the soft coral Litophyton arboreum, together with nine known ones, including five sesquiterpenes; 11-hydroxy-8-oxo-β-cyperon (1), alismoxide (4), 5β,8β-epidioxy-11-hydroxy-6-eudesmene (5), chabrolidione B (6), 7-oxo-tri-nor-eudesm-5-en-4β-ol (7), two sterols; 7β-acetoxy-24-methyl-cholesta-5,24(28)-diene-3β,19-diol (8), nebrosteroid M (9), and two glycerol derivatives; chimyl alcohol (10) and batyl alcohol (11). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques, predominately HR-ESI-MS, 1D, 2D-NMR, and ECD analyses. Compounds 1-11 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human cancer-cell lines (A549, MCF-7 and HepG2), and anti-leishmanial potential against the causal parasite, Leishmania major. Compounds 4, 8, and 9 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against the A549 cell line (IC50 = 17.0 ± 2.5, 13.5 ± 2.1, and 16.5 ± 1.3μg/ml, respectively) as compared with the standard antitumor agent etoposide (IC50 28.4 ± 4.5μg/ml). In addition, compound 9 exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 24.7 ± 2.1μg/ml: 22.2 ± 4.2μg/mL for etoposide).

The Evaluation of Effect of Jet Grout Columns to the Settlements in Soils with Numerical Methods

Increasing population bring together the need for construction on weak soils. At this point, soil improvement methods gain importance in which the problematic properties of soils aimed to enhance. Among these, jet grout columns are widely applied method and have advantages such as increasing the bearing capacity, reducing settlements and the risk of liquefaction. In this paper, jet grout columns utilized to reduce settlements in weak soil layers and the effect of several parameters on settlement examined. The analyzes, performed with Plaxis 2D and Plaxis 3D. The jet grouts are modeled with both single columns and composite region by changing jet grout length, diameter and spacing. To assess the soft clay effect, columns were socketed into different clay layers. The results proved that improvement with jet grout reduces the settlements, but the change in diameter, length and spacing affects the results at different rates. Through 3D analysis, up to 22% reductions in settlements obtained in case where the longest columns were assigned at the lowest spacings. The most effective factor was found as spacing rather than diameter. The increase in diameter after a certain value led to lower the performance due to the group effect. In case of the composite region, 3D and 2D analyzes converge very much, so it would be practical to perform 2D analysis for the composites. However, the ones modelled with single columns predicted more settlement and remained on the safe side. Additionally, jet grout columns performed better than in weak soils.

Utilizing 3D Model and Comparison Software Tools in Improving Assessment Methods: A Pilot Study

Purpose/Objectives: This manuscript investigates the effectiveness of computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in preclinical dental education. The COVID-19 pandemic created a need for remote teaching approaches. In preclinical fixed prosthodontics courses, traditional evaluation methods rely on faculty to visually grade laboratory projects utilizing rubrics and 2D images. Assessment and feedback vary amongst faculty, and faculty calibration has been inconsistent in reducing intra-and inter-rater variability. This study aimed to compare faculty assessment of student full coverage crown (FCC) preparations traditionally versus digitally through 3D model visual assessment and/or comparative analysis software reports. Methods: Eighteen UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry faculty participated, each randomly assigned into one of three assessment groups: traditional visual Group (TV), 3D Group (3D), and 3D visual assessment supplemented with comparative analysis software report (3D+) Group. Faculty graded the same eight lithium disilicate typodont preparations for all three assessment groups. Results: Survey results showed the ease of use and efficiency among the three assessment methods varied significantly. Grading scores revealed that axial wall reduction significantly differed among the three assessment methods. Conclusion: This study concludes that the combination of the two digital assessment methods can overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation methods and digital methods alone by providing objective feedback to students and enhancing their learning experience.

Do gravity data justify a rifted “Liguro-Provençal Basin”?

The geodynamic evolution of the Liguro-Provençal Basin and its crust and upper mantle structure remain debated, especially regarding the role of rifting in continental break-up and seafloor spreading. Our study incorporates updated datasets, including new gravity maps from the AlpArray Gravity Working Group (complete Bouguer, free air, and isostatic anomalies) for 3D modeling and gravity field analysis, seismic data from Lobster offshore campaigns for direct comparison, and geodynamic models, supplemented by seismic profiles from previous French and Italian campaigns to constrain the interpretation. We used GFZ’s IGMAS + software for interactive 3D modeling, creating a density model extending to 300 km depth that includes crustal and upper mantle inhomogeneities based on prior geodynamic models. This hybrid approach, with polygonal structures for the crust and voxels for the upper mantle, clarifies individual contributions to the gravity field. Extending initial gravity modeling from the SPP MB4D project INTEGRATE, our work provides a consistent 3D density model for the Alps and Ligurian Basin. The constrained 3D modeling and numerical analyses (terracing, clustering, filtering, curvature), along with vertical stress and gravitational potential energy calculations, suggest that rifting has significantly influenced the basin’s geological evolution.

Utilizing a fully digital approach for oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment and zygomatic implant-based rehabilitation for maxillary defects.

This clinical report details the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient with a severe maxillary defect secondary to subtotal maxillectomy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCM) using a maxillary prosthesis anchored by four zygomatic implants. The procedure involved meticulous subtotal maxillectomy and defect repair with zygomatic implant support, incorporating advanced digital surgical methods, including 3D reconstruction, computer-guided surgery, and photogrammetry (Icam4D). A 3D finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to assess the method's efficacy in analyzing stress distribution around the zygomatic implants. The patient expressed high satisfaction with the prosthesis's functionality, aesthetics, speech, and swallowing capabilities, underscoring the value of zygomatic implant-supported maxillofacial prosthetics. This synergy of advanced planning, surgical precision, and biomechanical analysis marks a significant advancement in maxillofacial prosthetics.

Assessing Photo-Voltaic Potential in Urban Environments: A Comparative Study between Aerial Photogrammetry and LiDAR Technologies

Abstract. Urban development and population growth have significantly increased energy demands, predominantly met by non-renewable resources, negatively impacting nature and climate. Consequently, there has been a global shift towards renewable energy sources, with solar energy being widely adopted. Photovoltaic (PV) potential measures the usable electricity from solar energy using PV technology. With conventional methods, estimating PV potential involves converting 3D point cloud data to 2.5D elevation models, which can affect the accuracy of the estimation. A research gap exists in using adequate 3D point cloud datasets for PV potential estimation considering roof surface area and the surface normal vectors. This study compares aerial photogrammetry and aerial LiDAR point clouds for PV potential estimation against the DSM-based approach. Accurate PV potential estimation must consider solar incidence, roof area, azimuth, tilt angles, and PV efficiency. Traditional 2.5D methods often overlook crucial azimuth and tilt data, limiting the accuracy of the PV estimation. Converting 3D data to 2.5D may result in information loss, while 3D analyses offer higher accuracy. To investigate the mentioned gaps, this research aims to evaluate the capabilities of photogrammetry and LiDAR for urban PV potential estimation, highlighting their feasibility and accuracy over 2.5D methods.

3D Motion Analysis of Alpine Skiing on Steep Slope Gate in Men’s Giant Slalom

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the elite skiers and the techniques required to improve their performance in the men’s giant slalom alpine skiing competition by conducting a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis. The top nine skiers were compared with the next nine skiers using 3D motion analysis in a single-gate section with an average slope of 25.6°. The results revealed the following characteristics of superior skiing techniques. (1) The skiers started the turn from a high position relative to the gate and obtained high velocity by skiing in a gentle arc using potential energy. (2) By quickly rotating and edging the skis, the skiers were able to gain centripetal force early, enter the gate, ski in the direction of the fall line, and change skiing direction timely. (3) The skiers had quick inward leaning of the body and early lowering of the pelvis on the outside ski to form an angulation posture to resist the large external forces acting on the body during the turn.

Evaluation of the sagittal vertical axis with postural and 3D motion analyses in lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundSagittal balance, commonly impaired in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients, is typically assessed using the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) with EOS imaging. However, to limit X-ray exposure and medical costs, it could be interesting to evaluate the capacity of quantified motion analysis to estimate the 3D modeling of SVA in patients with symptomatic LSS.MethodsAn estimation of the SVA in patients with LSS was performed with 3D motion analysis. SVA and “C7_PSI” (orthogonal horizontal distance between the vertical lines through the markers of the C7 vertebra and the middle of the posterosuperior iliac spine) were measured on 37 LSS patients using EOS radiography and postural and 3D motion analysis, respectively. Multiple stepwise linear regressions were performed with EOS SVA according to age, body mass index, C7_PSI and/or postural variables.ResultsA highly significant relationship was found between SVA and C7_PSI, mediolateral amplitude of CoP displacements and age (adjusted R²=0.69, p < 0.0001). While the postural analysis did not reveal significant relationships, the model using 3D parameters revealed significant relationships between radiographic SVA and C7_PSI and age (adjusted R²=0.65, p < 0.0001). 3D motion parameters with or without postural parameters may explain more than 65% of the variance seen in EOS imaging performed on LSS patients.ConclusionsThese promising results in LSS patients suggest that the estimation of SVA with 3D motion analysis offers an alternative to EOS. In addition, SVA could be assessed at rest and during dynamic tasks.Trial registrationThis study has been published in Clinical Trial registration (reference NCT03194607).

Interpreting the edge angle efficiency of middle palaeolithic lithic assemblage with Artifact-3D – A case study Barwaniya W1, North Karanpura Valley, Eastern India

The lithic technology is directly linked with knapping skills, cognition, and economic production of a particular culture. The central objective of lithic production was to obtain desirable edge angles and sharpness for cutting/ butchering work in an efficient manner to achieve the highest utility/ efficiency and low production ratio. The angle of an edge, whether unaltered or retouched and as part of the overall tool design, is undoubtedly a parameter that influences the behavioural dimension of a lithic artefact. Thus, lithics artefacts' work efficiency or knapping efficiency depends on their working (cutting) edge angle, length of the parallel edge, centre of gravity, length of lithic, and lesser rate of edge angle damage. The present research has analysed the working edge angle of the Middle Palaeolithic Levallois assemblage from the newly discovered site of Barwaniya W1 from the North Karanpura Valley (North of Upper Damodar Basin), Jharkhand, India with the help of semi-automated 3D edge angle analysis technique. the current study scrutinises the entirety of an artefact's edge angle through automated positioning based on surface tension and a higher number of reference measurement points on the 3D scan surface of the artefact. This research has digitally measured the Middle Palaeolithic quartzite flake-based assemblage from Barwaniya W1 and their working edge angle, parallel edge (thick blunt side used for hafting), and centre of gravity with Artefact-3D software which has provided us with precise measurement without human errors and ambiguity. Further, this research has replicated the quartzite lithic assemblage of Barwaniya W1 with the Levallois reduction technique to interpret the edge angle efficiency.

TMG Symmetry and Kinematic Analysis of the Impact of Different Plyometric Programs on Female Athletes’ Lower-Body Muscles

Asymmetries in sports are common and can lead to various issues; however, different training programs can facilitate change. This study aimed to assess the effects of opposing plyometric programs on tensiomyography lateral symmetry (TMG LS)/inter-limb asymmetry in female athletes’ lower-body muscles, alongside kinematic and body composition parameters. Twenty female subjects from basketball, volleyball, and track and field (sprinting disciplines) were divided into two experimental groups (n = 10 each). Two six-week plyometric programs (two sessions/week) were implemented: the first program (E1) focused on eccentric exercises, depth landings, while the second (E2) emphasized concentric exercises, squat jumps. TMG assessed LS in six muscles: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius lateralis, and gastrocnemius medialis. A kinematic analysis of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and body composition was conducted using “Kinovea; Version 0.9.4” software and InBody 770, respectively. The results showed significant increases in LS percentages (E1—VL 9.9%, BF 18.0%, GM 10.6% and E2—BF 22.5%, p &lt; 0.05), and a significant large effect in E1 for VL, and in E2 for BF, p &lt; 0.01). They also showed that E1 had a significant effect on VL, and that E2 had a significant large effect on BF (p &lt; 0.01). E1 also led to increased lean muscle mass in both legs (left: 1.88%, right: 2.74%) and decreased BMIs (−0.4, p &lt; 0.05). Both programs improved LS, with E1 enhancing muscle mass and lower-body positioning in CMJ. We recommend future studies use varied jump tests, incorporate 3D kinematic analysis, include male subjects, and examine more muscles to enhance TMG LS analysis.