Images Of Sections Research Articles

Multi-modal mass spectrometry imaging of a single tissue section.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was developed to visualize spatial chemical information within tissues, thereby facilitating spatial multi-omic analysis. However, due to the limited spatial information provided by individual modal MSI, correlating various chemical data within tissues remains a significant challenge. In recent years, multimodal MSI has garnered considerable attention due to its ability to visualize the spatial distributions of multiple biomolecules within tissues. Among the strategies employed in this field, multimodal imaging on a single tissue section circumvents multiple issues introduced by integration of images of consecutive tissue sections. In this minireview, we provide an overview of multimodal MSI on a single tissue section, with a particular focus on the use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-MSI for spatial multi-omic investigations that offer a comprehensive and in-depth elucidation of the biological state and activities, aiming to inspire the development of new approaches in this field.

Widefield polarization-resolved second harmonic generation imaging of entire thyroid nodule sections for the detection of capsular invasion.

The identification of tumor capsular invasion as a sign of malignancy is currently employed in traditional histopathology routines for thyroid nodules. However, its limitations are associated with the assessment criteria for invasion, which often lead to disagreements among observers. The aim of this paper is to introduce a widefield imaging technique combined with quantitative collagen analysis to identify areas of capsular invasion in thyroid neoplasms. In this study, we introduce the application of widefield polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy for imaging entire thyroid nodule sections on histological slides. We employ a cylindrical collagen model to extract parameters associated with the ultrastructure and orientation of collagen within the entire capsule of the thyroid nodule. We showcase the effectiveness of these parameters in distinguishing between areas of nodule capsule invasion and unaffected regions of the capsule through statistical analysis of individual parameters and employing a machine learning technique that involves generating maps via cluster analysis. Our results suggest that quantitative analysis facilitated by polarization-resolved widefield second harmonic generation microscopy could prove beneficial for the automated evaluation of capsular invasion sites in thyroid pathology.

Correlative X-ray Computed Tomography and Optical Microscopy Serial Sectioning Data of Additive Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

Correlative X-ray Computed Tomography and Optical Microscopy Serial Sectioning Data of Additive Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

Brain image data processing using collaborative data workflows on Texera.

In the realm of neuroscience, mapping the three-dimensional (3D) neural circuitry and architecture of the brain is important for advancing our understanding of neural circuit organization and function. This study presents a novel pipeline that transforms mouse brain samples into detailed 3D brain models using a collaborative data analytics platform called "Texera." The user-friendly Texera platform allows for effective interdisciplinary collaboration between team members in neuroscience, computer vision, and data processing. Our pipeline utilizes the tile images from a serial two-photon tomography/TissueCyte system, then stitches tile images into brain section images, and constructs 3D whole-brain image datasets. The resulting 3D data supports downstream analyses, including 3D whole-brain registration, atlas-based segmentation, cell counting, and high-resolution volumetric visualization. Using this platform, we implemented specialized optimization methods and obtained significant performance enhancement in workflow operations. We expect the neuroscience community can adopt our approach for large-scale image-based data processing and analysis.

Early bifurcation of the common hepatic artery: A pitfall that should be known and recognized

Early bifurcation of the common hepatic artery (EBCHA) is a rare anatomical variation (1%), that is often overlooked but can lead to accidental ligation of the right branch of the hepatic artery with consequent arterial ischemia of the right liver and potentially very serious complications during pancreaticoduodenectomy, partial hepatectomy, or liver harvesting for transplantation. It may be difficult to diagnose EBCHA using transverse imaging sections. However, on standard CT sections with intravenous contrast injection, three warning signs should allow the image reader to suspect it: presence of two hepatic arteries to the right of the celiac trunk, presence of a retro-portal hepatic artery, and absence of a right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. Analysis of the CT with reconstruction then allows for definitive diagnosis and limits the risk of accidental arterial injury or ligation.

Low-dose, standard, and high-resolution cone beam computed tomography for alveolar bone measurements related to implant planning: An exvivo study in human specimens.

To evaluate the performance of low-dose cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocols with regard to linear bone measurements in the posterior mandible for implant planning compared with higher dose protocols. Forty-two edentulous posterior sites in human cadaveric mandibles were imaged in three CBCT scanners using three or four protocols with varying exposure parameters to achieve lower dose. Co-registration was performed to generate sagittal and cross-sectional image sections representative of the implant site. Three observers measured bone height, from the alveolar crest to the mandibular canal, and width, three mm from the top of the alveolar crest. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility were assessed for the cases rated as nonmeasurable as well as for completed measurements. The measurements were analyzed using paired t-tests for differences among the CBCT protocols and the frequency distribution of nonmeasurable cases with a Pearson Chi-square test. Reproducibility for registering nonmeasurable cases varied among observers; however, no consistent significant differences were found in the frequency distribution of these cases among observers, units, and protocols. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were >0.9 for all measurements of bone height and width. Mean differences of <0.5 mm were found regardless of protocol; however, one observer did in some cases produce larger differences. Linear bone measurements did not differ significantly and could be performed with excellent reliability, using low-dose CBCT protocols compared with standard and high-resolution ones. Varying approaches for rating nonmeasurable cases were found, indicating differences in diagnostic strategies related to implant planning among observers.

Accuracy of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian tumours: data from a London tertiary centre

BackgroundOvarian cancer has the worst prognosis among all gynaecological cancers. The pre-operative and intraoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours is imperative to ensure the right operation is performed and to improve patients’ outcomes.MethodologyA retrospective review of cases with a confirmed histological diagnosis of ovarian cases was undertaken from January 2017 to December 2021. Comparison was undertaken between this final diagnosis and the pre-operative ultrasound, MRI and frozen section (FS) to assess diagnostic accuracy of each. In the ultrasound cases, the level of the examiner was collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata MP v17.0 software (USA, 2023).ResultsIn total, 156 ovarian masses were examined by FS. In the histopathological examination, 123/156 of these tumours were epithelial tumours. Pre-operative US subjective impression was made in 63/156 cases and preoperative MRI subjective impression was made in 129/156 cases. For benign, borderline and malignant tumours, FS demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.8% (95%CI:81.9–96.2), 86.8% (95%CI:71.9–95.6) and 97.6% (95%CI:87.4–99.9) respectively. Ultrasound’s sensitivities were 95.2% (95%CI:76.2–99.9), 20% (95%:4.33–48.1), 57.1% (95%CI:28.9–82.3) and MRI’s sensitivities were 100% (95%CI:80.5–100), 31.5% (95%CI:19.5–45.6) and 63.2% (95%CI:46–78.2) respectively.ConclusionsFS remains an accurate tool for diagnosing ovarian malignancy. However, across both imaging modalities and FS, the diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumours remains challenging.

Three-Dimensional Ultrastructure of Flower-Spray Nerve Endings in the Rat Carotid Sinus.

The flower-spray nerve endings are afferent nerve terminals in the carotid sinus that arise from carotid sinus nerve of glossopharyngeal nerve. However, the three-dimensional ultrastructural characteristics of flower-spray nerve endings and spatial relationships between the terminal parts and other cellular elements have not been fully understood. To elucidate their detailed relationship, backscattered electron imaging of serial sections was performed with a scanning electron microscope to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the flower-spray endings. The terminal parts of flower-spray endings were distributed horizontally approximately 5µm outside the external elastic membrane in the tunica adventitia of the internal carotid artery. The three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the terminal parts of flower-spray endings were flat with irregular contours and were partially covered by the thin cytoplasmic processes of Schwann cells. The complex consisting of the nerve terminals and associated Schwann cells was surrounded by a multilayered basement membrane. The terminal parts of the endings were also surrounded by fibroblasts with elastic fibers and collagen fibrils. Secretory vesicles without an electron-dense core were observed in the terminal parts of the endings. The accumulation of vesicles just below the axonal membrane was observed in terminal parts not covered by Schwann cell cytoplasmic processes on both the luminal and basal sides. Swollen mitochondria, concentric membranous structures, and glycogen granule-like electron-dense materials were often noted in some of the terminal parts of the endings and the parent axon. Collectively, the present results suggest that flower-spray endings are baroreceptors because their morphology was similar to other mechanoreceptors. Furthermore, flower-spray endings may be affected by glutamate secreted in an autocrine manner.

PULSE DEPOSITION METHOD FOR WIRE AND ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Purpose. To reduce the waviness of the side surfaces of wire and arc additive manufactured parts. Research methods. Two groups of deposited specimens were used. The waviness of the side surfaces was measured from digital images of the cross sections of the specimens. The images were obtained by optical digital scanning. To establish a functional relationship between the geometric parameters of the beads and the main deposition parameters, regression and analysis of variance were performed on the measured data. Results. It was found that different combinations of the main process parameters resulted in a surface waviness of 1.21 ± 0.23 mm. Based on the results obtained, a pulse deposition method was developed. The implementation of regular pauses reduced the heat input and the time spent by the material in the molten state, which limited its distribution. The proposed method resulted in a significantly lower waviness of 0.47±0.08 mm and a significant improvement in the stability of the resulting surface irregularity. Scientific novelty. It has been shown for the first time that the waviness of the side surfaces in wire and arc additive manufacturing does not depend on the main deposition parameters, but is related to the nature of the arc-based deposition process. The developed method of pulsed deposition limits the time the metal remains in the molten state, which reduces the waviness of the surfaces by up to 60% and improves the stability of the geometry by three times, reducing the standard deviation to 0.08 mm. Practical value. Pulsed deposition improves the predictability of the printed geometry by improving the accuracy and quality of the side surfaces. This reduces the required machining allowance, speeds up production, and reduces material waste. In some cases, the predictability of the geometry makes it possible to eliminate post-processing.

Morphological changes in plasma-exposed poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) using high-resolution video camera and optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is a hematophagous temporary ectoparasite that causes serious economic losses and animal health impairment on laying hen farms worldwide. Control is limited by the parasite’s hidden lifestyle, restrictions on the use of chemical acaricides and the development of resistance against certain drug classes. As a result, research was conducted to explore alternative control methods. In recent years, atmospheric pressure plasma has been increasingly reported as an alternative to chemical acaricides for pest control. This physical method has also shown promising against PRM under laboratory conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms of action have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma on PRM were investigated using digital videography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging technique that visualizes the topography of surfaces and internal structures. Digital videography showed that a redistribution of the contents of the intestinal tract and excretory organs (Malpighian tubules) occurred immediately after plasma exposure. The body fluids reached the distal leg segments of PRM and parts of the haemocoel showed whiter and denser clumps, indicating a coagulation of the haemocoel components. OCT showed a loss of the boundaries of the hollow organs in transverse and sagittal sectional images as well as in the three-dimensional image reconstruction. In addition, a dorso-ventral shrinkage of the idiosoma was observed in plasma-exposed mites, which had shrunk to 44.0% of its original height six minutes after plasma exposure.

X-ray diagnostics diseases of the temporomandibular joints

TMJ diseases, the occurrence of which can be caused by numerous factors, are a common pathology among the population. The purpose of the study was to research the characteristics of x-ray manifestations and the informativeness of x-ray techniques in the x-ray diagnosis of TMJ diseases. 645 X-ray images of 344 patients aged 18 to 65 years were analyzed. It has been established that the X-ray picture of most TMJ diseases is characterized by the presence of functional changes or a combination of functional and organic manifestations. The most common pathology is dysfunctional disorders of the TMJ. It was concluded that the primary X-ray diagnosis of TMJ diseases is advisable to carry out using orthopantomographs, which allow examining the TMJ in the lateral projection according to a special program with the patient’s mouth open and closed. The use of computed tomography makes it possible to identify not only functional abnormalities, but also early manifestations of organic changes in the bone elements of the TMJ on a series of tomographic sections in different planes.

Thermal springs associated with the Melilla-Fès-Smaala-Oulmès fault (Morocco): The role of fluid geochemistry in identifying a major active geodynamic structure

The thermal springs form a hydrothermal system implanted on the active tectonic structure of the Melilla - Fès - Smaala - Oulmès fault (MFSO). This fault forms a multiple play tectonic corridor generally oriented NE-SW parallel to the Nekor fault. It crosses two structural domains, the Meseta, to the South, and the Rif, to the North, forming a highly complex deep shear zone. The thermal waters from these springs have chloride-sodium facies and sodium-calcium bicarbonate facies with emergence temperatures between 24.4 and 53.6 °C. Along this fault, the pH of these waters varies centrifugally, with acidic values in the South and North and neutral values in the intermediate sector. Important information about the origin of thermal waters and the characteristics of the reservoirs is provided by the chemical compositions (chemical elements, isotopes, and gases) of these waters involving rock-water-gas interaction during their circulation in depth and flow to the surface, through different types of reservoirs intersected by the fracture networks associated to the MFSO. These reservoirs correspond to the crystalline basement and its Triassic evaporitic clay, Jurassic carbonate, Cretaceous marl, and Miocene saliferous cover, whose temperatures have been estimated between 100 and 200 °C. The stable isotopic compositions (−8.39 to −5.2‰ for δ18O and −51.2 to 30.1‰ for δ2H) indicate a meteoric origin of these waters, whose recharge areas are located in the Rif and Atlas reliefs. The gas phase present in the waters shows δ13Cco2 (−19.3 ‰ to −4,25 ‰) and 3He/4He (0.203–3.864 Ra) with mantellic signature, implying that the fault is deeply rooted. The mantellic helium content decreases progressively in these waters from SE to NE, following the direction of the MFSO fault, from the emergencies in the Palaeozoic basement to the springs in the secondary and Tertiary formations of the Prerif and Mesorif. This decrease results probably from the mixing with gases derived from the thick secondary and Tertiary sedimentary cover. These waters would also collect these gases during their interactions with these sedimentary formations. Towards the NE, these waters, which rise within the formations of the Mediterranean arc, are also influenced by gases derived from the sediments of volcanic arcs.The MFSO fault, which is permeable due to its fracture network, favours the diffusion of heat and the upwelling of mantle gases, which are collected by the fluids that will interact with the rocks during their circulation at depth and flow to the surface. Its hydraulic character, highlighted in the North by seismic tomographic sections, confirms the presence of fluids at a depth of 5 km. This hydraulic character is continuous towards the South, implying the intimate association of the springs studied with this active tectonic structure. The pressure generated by these fluids and the precipitation of secondary clay minerals will weaken this fault, giving it an aseismic character.

Study on delamination characteristics and mechanical properties of cemented waste rock backfill with rubber aggregation

Since some phosphorus mines use raw ore as a product and do not conduct beneficiation around the mines. This makes it difficult for the amount of waste rock to prepare enough backfill for the filling of underground mined-out areas. Using rubber particles made of waste tires to replace part of the waste rock aggregate (WRA) can not only solve the problem of insufficient WRA, but also improve the environmental problems caused by the large accumulation of waste tires. However, due to the small density of rubber and high density of waste rock, the phenomenon of segregation delamination may occur in the cemented backfill, thus affecting the mechanical properties of cemented waste rock backfill (CWRB). To this end, the effect of rubber aggregate (RA) on the segregation delamination of CWRB was determined by using the section image analysis method of specimens, and the quantitative index of segregation delamination of cemented waste rock backfill with rubber (CWRB-R) was constructed. The mechanical properties and failure characteristics of CWRB-R were studied by acoustic emission (AE) test under uniaxial compression condition. The experimental results showed that the segregation delamination characteristics of CWRB-R were related to the mass concentration. The higher the mass concentration, the weaker the degree of segregation stratification of the aggregate, the more uniform the distribution of the aggregate, and the less the strength loss of CWRB caused by the incorporation of RA. The incorporation of RA in CWRB not only reduced the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the backfill, but also caused more cracks to be produced during the failure process of the backfill, and the failure form changes from brittle failure to ductile failure.

The 'Radiant Effect': Recent Sonographic Image-Enhancing Technique and Its Impact on Nuchal Translucency Measurements.

Background: This study assesses the effects of the 'Radiant' image enhancement technique on fetal nuchal translucency (NT) measurements during first-trimester sonographic exams. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 263 ultrasound images of first-trimester midsagittal sections was conducted. NT measurements were obtained using a semi-automatic tool. Statistical methods were applied to compare NT measurements with and without 'Radiant' enhancement. An in vitro setup with predefined line distances provided additional data. Results: Incremental increases in NT measurements were observed with varying levels of 'Radiant' application: an average increase of 0.19 mm with 'Radiant min', 0.24 mm with 'Radiant mid', and 0.30 mm with 'Radiant max.' The in vitro results supported these findings, showing consistent effects on line thickness and measurement accuracy, with the smallest mean deviation occurring at the 'Radiant mid' setting. Conclusions: 'Radiant' image enhancement leads to significant increases in NT measurements. To avoid systematic biases in clinical assessments, it is advisable to disable 'Radiant' during NT measurement procedures. Further studies are necessary to corroborate these findings and to consider updates to the NT reference tables based on this technology.

Study of Corrsion System on Iron Artefacts through Neutronic Analysis

This study was conducted to confirm the possibility of using the corrosion products of iron artifacts and corrosion systems for non-destructive analysis using neutrons by applying the non-destructive analysis method and the destructive analysis method together to the analysis of the corrosion system of iron artifacts. As a result of transmission analysis, the shape of the artifact, the boundary between the metal layer and the corrosion layer, etc. could be confirmed, and through tomography, the shape, surface shape, and internal cross section of the artifact could be confirmed. It was confirmed that the corrosion thickness using the residual stress measurement method has a high reliability of less than 10% of an error compared to other analysis results, so it is highly likely to be used to measure the corrosion thickness. It was confirmed that the corrosion layer of the iron artifact analyzed this time was mainly Goethite among the types of DPL and was embedded with Magnetite/Maghemite. Since the neutron analysis can estimate the corrosion thickness non-destructive, it is highly likely to be used to study the corrosion rate of iron artifacts by burial environment through additional studies.

Integrated cardio-thoracic imaging curriculum for residents: Design, implementation, and analysis of test and evaluation results

As the field of cardiac imaging has demonstrated exceptional growth over the past several decades, radiology departments and residency programs have struggled to integrate cardiac imaging instruction into training curricula. PurposeTo create an integrated cardio-thoracic teaching and lecture curriculum and resident rotation in accordance with AGGME and Society of Thoracic Radiology (STR) guidelines. Materials and methodsConsecutive PGY-2 to PGY-4 residents (n = 14) rotating through our Cardiothoracic Imaging (CTI) section from 1/1/2021 to 04/18/2022 were give pre- and post- rotation tests of knowledge and feedback evaluations. Attending feedback of the curriculum was obtained at 3-months and 9-months post curriculum implementation. A Wilcxon test was used to evaluate differences in improvement between pre- and post- rotation resident feedback scores, test scores for thoracic and cardiac test questions in addition to attending feedback scores at 3 and 9-months post curriculum implementation. ResultsThe overall post-rotation scores in addition to thoracic only and cardiac only scores improved, with the difference between improved versus stable or decreased scores being statistically significant overall (P = 0.039) and for cardiac scores (P = 0.003), but not for thoracic scores (P = 0.22). The overall (P = 0.002), thoracic (P = 0.027), and cardiac (P = 0.026) resident feedback scores were significantly improved post-rotation. Similarly, the overall attending feedback scores significantly improved over time (P = 0.021). ConclusionAn integrated Cardio-thoracic Imaging teaching curriculum was well received by both residents and attendings with significant improvement in post rotation feedback scores by both groups. Moreover, residents demonstrated improved scores on knowledge tests post rotation.

Root resorption of maxillary lateral incisors associated with maxillary impacted canines: Cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography study

: The position of maxillary impacted canine (MIC) and the presence of lateral incisor root resorption (RR) remains a challenge for interceptive orthodontics and surgical treatment planning. The use of panoramic radiographs will be compared with CBCT in the diagnosis of RR and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnostic imaging.: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Panoramic Radiography in detecting lateral incisor RR associated with MIC. To evaluate, with respect to sector position of impacted canines, the agreement between panoramic radiographs and CBCT in detecting lateral incisor RR.: A cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study on panoramic and CBCT radiographic records between January 2014 and December 2020. The study setting was Section of Diagnostic Imaging at a University Oral Health Centre. All patients requiring radiographs are referred to this section by all dental departments of the dental hospital. The study sample consisted of CBCT and panoramic images of impacted maxillary canines of patients older than 9yrs. Patients with odontogenic and non-odontogenic pathology in the canine and incisor area, those with previous diagnosis of external root resorption verified from the patient’s treatment records, and patients who have had any form of orthodontic treatment; removable or fixed appliances were excluded. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to analyse the agreement between panoramic radiographs and CBCT in locating canine sector position. All tests were conducted at 5% significance level. Fifty patients records were analysed in our study. The median age of the sample was 15 years and the IQR was 12.5-19. Our sample consisted predominantly of females (n=40) compared to males(n=10). A total of 65 MIC were assessed with 16 bilateral impactions (n=32) and the unilateral impactions (n=33). Of the 65 MICs, 46% were located on the right side and 54% were located on the left side. The CBCT examination showed that 58% (n = 38) of MIC were located palatally, 34% (n=22) labially and 8% (n=5) in the mid-alveolus (between the teeth). The majority of MIC occurred in sector 4 in 2-D pan (26%, n=17) and 3-D pan at (32%, n=21). Pearson's chi-squared test results showed a statistically significant difference in the agreement between 2-D pan and 3-D pan in locating canine sector position (p=0.001).: The detection of root resorption in our study underscores the importance for clinicians to examine panoramic radiographs thoroughly beyond the counting of teeth. Although panoramic radiographs are the routine diagnostic tool in contemporary dental practice, their limitation in definitive diagnosis of root resorption should be augmented with the use of CBCT.

Object detection algorithms to identify skeletal components in carbonate cores

Identification of constituent grains in carbonate rocks requires specialist experience. A carbonate sedimentologist must be able to distinguish between skeletal grains that change through geological ages, preserved in differing alteration stages, and cut in random orientations across core sections. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of machine learning in classifying lithofacies from thin section, core, and seismic images, with faster analysis times and reduction of natural biases. In this study, we explore the application and limitations of convolutional neural network (CNN) based object detection frameworks to identify and quantify multiple types of carbonate grains within close-up core images of carbonate lithologies. We compiled nearly 400 images of high-resolution core images from three ODP and IODP expeditions. Over 9000 individual carbonate components of 11 different classes were manually labelled from this dataset. Using pre-trained weights, a transfer learning approach was applied to evaluate one-stage (YOLO v5) and two-stage (Faster R–CNN) detectors under different feature extractors (CSP-Darknet53 and ResNet50-FPN, respectively). Despite the current popularity of one-stage detectors, our results show Faster R–CNN with ResNet50-FPN backbone provides the most robust performance, achieving 0.73 mean average precision (mAP). Furthermore, we extend the approach by deploying the trained model to two ODP sites from Leg 194 that were not part of the training set (ODP Sites 1196 and 1199), providing a performance comparison with benchmark human interpretation.

Dendritic morphology of motor neurons and interneurons within the compact, semicompact, and loose formations of the rat nucleus ambiguus.

Motor neurons (MNs) within the nucleus ambiguus innervate the skeletal muscles of the larynx, pharynx, and oesophagus. These muscles are activated during vocalisation and swallowing and must be coordinated with several respiratory and other behaviours. Despite many studies evaluating the projections and orientation of MNs within the nucleus ambiguus, there is no quantitative information regarding the dendritic arbours of MNs residing in the compact, and semicompact/loose formations of the nucleus ambiguus.. In female and male Fischer 344 rats, we evaluated MN number using Nissl staining, and MN and non-MN dendritic morphology using Golgi-Cox impregnation Brightfield imaging of transverse Nissl sections (15 μm) were taken to stereologically assess the number of nucleus ambiguus MNs within the compact and semicompact/loose formations. Pseudo-confocal imaging of Golgi-impregnated neurons within the nucleus ambiguus (sectioned transversely at 180 μm) was traced in 3D to determine dendritic arbourisation. We found a greater abundance of MNs within the compact than the semicompact/loose formations. Dendritic lengths, complexity, and convex hull surface areas were greatest in MNs of the semicompact/loose formation, with compact formation MNs being smaller. MNs from both regions were larger than non-MNs reconstructed within the nucleus ambiguus. Adding HBLS to the diet could be a potentially effective strategy to improve horses' health.

Scalable electron tomography for connectomics.

We demonstrate limited-tilt, serial section electron tomography (ET), which can non-destructively map brain circuits over large 3D volumes and reveal high-resolution, supramolecular details within subvolumes of interest. We show accelerated ET imaging of thick sections (>500 nm) with the capacity to resolve key features of neuronal circuits including chemical synapses, endocytic structures, and gap junctions. Furthermore, we systematically assessed how imaging parameters affect image quality and speed to enable connectomic-scale projects.