Three-dimensional Visualization Research Articles

Reducing manual labeling requirements and improved retinal ganglion cell identification in 3D AO-OCT volumes using semi-supervised learning

Adaptive optics-optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) allows for the three-dimensional visualization of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the living human eye. Quantitative analyses of RGCs have significant potential for improving the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as glaucoma. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) have made possible the automatic identification and analysis of RGCs within the complex three-dimensional retinal volumes obtained with such imaging. However, the current state-of-the-art ML approach relies on fully supervised training, which demands large amounts of training labels. Each volume requires many hours of expert manual annotation. Here, two semi-supervised training schemes are introduced, (i) cross-consistency training and (ii) cross pseudo supervision that utilize unlabeled AO-OCT volumes together with a minimal set of labels, vastly reducing the labeling demands. Moreover, these methods outperformed their fully supervised counterpart and achieved accuracy comparable to that of human experts.

Three-Dimensional Visualization Of The Behavior Of Solid Particles Traveling In A Horizontal Gas Pipe Flow By Color PTV Using Discontinuously Changing Hue Illumination

In a gas pipe, a lot of solid particles remained during its construction. They are called dust and gas supply companies have tried to remove them using filters because they cause various problems. To optimize the maintenance period of dust removal filters, it is required to understand the behaviors of particles in the pipe. However, we do not fully understand yet because of their very complex behaviors caused by dune accumulated in the pipe. Furthermore, it is hard to investigate their behaviors with a traditional volumetric PTV using multiple cameras. Normally, its calibration is difficult because of the curvature of the pipe and the plural number of cameras. Therefore, we developed a new volumetric color PTV algorithm with discontinuously changing color illumination in the camera shooting direction, i.e. the depth direction. Color PTV can determine particle positions in three dimensions using a single camera but has low depth accuracy. Our new PTV measures particle positions and velocity vectors in the plane of picture using the same algorithm used in the normal planar PTV. On the other hand, particle positions and velocity vectors in the camera shooting direction are measured by a pattern of color changing on particle scattering light, which is our original method. To adopt the new volumetric PTV in the pipe flow, a volumetric light changing color discontinuously in the flow direction was irradiated and the particles were visualized using a camera installed at the outlet of the pipe. When a dune exists, the particles are thrown to the top of the pipe and their advection velocity is increased by the wakes generated by the dune. As a result, the dune makes more particles to be advected to a longer distance.

THE COMBAT ENGAGEMENT (COMBAT EPISODE) LIFE CYCLE INTERACTIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION CRITERIA AND INDICATORS SELECTION

The russo-Ukrainian war is generally characterized as an artillery war, since the main burden in it is the massive use of artillery. However, this war is distinguished from others by the use of various tactics, some of that repeat the tactics of the past, only at a higher technical level, and the newest tactics that have appeared thanks to the advent of modern weapons and military equipment, the which principles are based on the latest technical achievements. The specified circumstances require a careful and more detailed consideration (research) of these tactical techniques on such issues as the reasons for their occurrence, the number of participants, the course of the battle (combat episode), its result, analysis and development, practical recommendations that can be combined into a single concept of the life cycle, eliminate identified shortcomings or provide recommendations for improving individual positions in this matter. For this purpose, it is advisable to reproduce and reconstruct the life cycle of the combat engagement or combat episode that occurred. One of the means of reproducing the life cycle of a combat engagement (combat episode) is interactive three-dimensional visualization. Therefore, in order to create an interactive three-dimensional visualization model (animation) of the life cycle of a combat engagement or a combat episode, that would correspond as close as possible to real events, it is desirable to determine the criteria and indicators that characterize these events. The interactive three-dimensional visualization of the life cycle of a combat engagement or combat episode criterion can be the completeness and reliability of information, and the indicators - dynamism, evaluation of the effectiveness of combat operations and characteristics of the space (locality) in which the combat engagement (combat episode) took place.

Classification of variant portal vein anatomy based on three-dimensional CT: surgical implications.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new and more comprehensive classification system for portal vein (PV) variations using three-dimensional visualization and evaluation (3DVE) and to discuss the prevalence rates and clinical implications of the variants. The anatomies of PVs were tracked and analyzed by using three-dimensional visualization of CT images acquired between 2013 and 2022. Scans from 200 adults were evaluated and a total of 178 patients (N = 178) were included in the study. The new classification system, named BLB classification, was developed based on the level of the absent PV branch in each variant anatomy. Using the BLB classification system, PVs were divided into thirteen subtypes. Only 82.6-84.8% of the portal veins of the 178 patients were depicted in Atri's, Cheng's or Covey's classification, compared with 100% identified by the BLB classification. The BLB classification was validated against external data sets from previous studies, with 97.0-98.9% of patients classified by the BLB system. Variant PV anatomies are more commonly seen based on 3DVE than in previous reports. The BLB classification covers almost all portal vein variants and may be used for planning liver surgery.

From Imaging to Visualization: Seeing the Future of Endometriosis Care

ObjectiveTo describe how the knowledge from standard imaging practices can be translated into three-dimensional visualization techniques and utilized in the surgical planning and management of endometriosis. SettingTertiary care academic centre. ParticipantsTwo case studies of patients with endometriosis are described. InterventionsTransvaginal ultrasound (1), magnetic resonance imaging, three-dimensional printing (2), and three-dimensional virtual reality modeling (3) were utilized during patient workup and preparation. Three-dimensional modeling was performed by a virtual reality technician and verified for accuracy by a fellowship trained radiologist. Surgical management for endometriosis was performed. ConclusionWhile expert transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging suffice for the majority of cases, three-dimensional printing and virtual reality modeling are a novel adjunct to standard imaging modalities. Rendering two-dimensional images into a three-dimensional representation allows users to interact with the anatomy and is particularly useful when distorted by complex pathology. These techniques contributed to improved patient understanding and experience, and helped medical learners better grasp regular imaging techniques and its translation to pelvic anatomy. Last, it augmented surgeon comprehension of the relationship between the pelvic structures, allowing for enhanced surgical planning and intraoperative decision making. Further study is being performed to quantify these effects.

O-069 The first mitotic spindle instability impacts nucleation, fragmentation, and development in human embryos

Abstract Study question How multinucleation and fragmentation occur in the first mitosis in human embryos? Summary answer The first mitotic spindles had heterogeneity, and the shapes and movements of the spindles were strongly associated with multinucleation and fragmentation. What is known already Studies have shown that many problems occur during the first mitosis, such as fragmentation and multinucleation. However, the cell biologic mechanisms whereby these errors occur during the first mitosis in human embryos remain unknown. To clarify this aspect, it is necessary to analysis the dynamics of DNA and cytoskeleton using live human embryos. Although microinjections of DNA or mRNA into mammalian embryos were widely used for live imaging during early mitosis, the method into human poses the risk of ethical issues. Therefore, we established a method used for real-time imaging in human embryos using chemical fluorescent labeling. Study design, size, duration Frozen human two-pronuclear stage embryos were donated for research by couples who had completed fertility treatment. We obtained written informed consent from patients who donated human embryos. The mean age of patients at embryo freezing was 32.00 ± 3.03 (SD) years. We imaged thirty-one living human embryos using chemical fluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy to visualize DNA and tubulin. Participants/materials, setting, methods Thirty-one human embryos were cultured in medium containing the live-cell stain probes SPY555-DNA and SPY650-Tubulin. The Embryos were imaged using an LSM980 laser scanning confocal microscope every 10–20 min for a period of eight hours. Three-dimensional (3D) visualizations of human embryos were performed using the Imaris software. The first spindle shapes were quantified by image analysis and calculated the aspect ratio of the spindles using ImageJ. Main results and the role of chance We discovered that over 81% of two-pronuclear zygotes became multinucleated 2-cell stage embryos. We demonstrated that there was variation in the first mitotic spindles. There was a significant difference between the aspect ratio (AR) of the spindles leading to the mononuclear and multinuclear types at the 2-cell stage (p < 0.005). In addition, the low-AR spindles were unstable and often had more defocused poles than the high-AR spindles, which lead to multinucleation at the 2-cell stage (55 % vs. 0%, p < 0.05). More embryo having high-aspect ratio spindles tend to develop blastocysts than those having low aspect-ratio spindles (p < 0.05). Moreover, the movement of the central spindles varied after chromosome segregation. The embryos with more fragments at two cell stage had a significantly longer period for the central spindles to transform into midbodies compared to those with fewer fragments. The central spindles of embryos with more fragments moved a longer distance from the beginning of furrow ingression to the completion of the first division (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the first mitotic spindle instability and heterogeneity cause many errors such as multinucleation, fragmentation, and embryonic development. Limitations, reasons for caution Imaged human embryos were donated from a fertility clinic, and detailed patient information, such as underlying disease and method of ovarian stimulation, was not available. It is possible that the human zygotes used in this study had a bias in patient characteristics. Wider implications of the findings Our study showed that there were instability and heterogeneity in the first mitotic spindle, which was strongly associated with multinucleation, fragmentation, and embryonic development. Revealing the mechanism underlying spindle formation in cleavage-stage embryos will contribute to improving the success rate of assisted reproduction technologies in humans. Trial registration number not applicable

Android-Based Drug Information Application Using Augmented Reality Technology

The use of Augmented Reality technology in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in pharmacies, has introduced significant innovations in providing drug information to consumers. AR applications can help healthcare workers and patients better understand drug use through three-dimensional visualization superimposed on the real environment. Observations at Sultan Abdul Aziz Syah Peureulak Hospital indicate that 70% of patients still experience confusion regarding the drug information provided by pharmacy staff. This difficulty is caused by the complexity of the information, lack of personal interaction, or low health literacy. To address this problem, the Android-based Mediscan application was developed using AR technology. This application utilizes Unity and Vuforia Engine software to present drug information visually in card form via the smart device screen. Users can point the camera at a particular drug and receive complete information regarding general indications, dosage, drug class, contraindications, and side effects. This research aims to develop the Mediscan application, calculate the level of patient understanding, measure consumer satisfaction, and evaluate the impact of using AR in presenting drug information. The System Development Life Cycle methodology with the Waterfall model was used in this research. The results show that AR technology can be implemented in Android-based applications to present drug information visually and interactively. The majority of patients feel more informed and gain a better understanding of the medication they are taking. AR technology in the Mediscan application improves user experience, supports the education and training of medical personnel and patients, and enhances the quality of healthcare services in hospitals. This application also makes it easier for medical personnel and pharmacists to convey drug information more effectively and efficiently.

Evaluation of Volumetric Changes between Pediatric Rotary Files and Manual Files during Canal Preparation of Primary Mandibular Canine: A Nano-CT Analysis

Abstract Objective Pediatric endodontics has become popular due to advancements in cleaning, shaping, and irrigation systems, resulting in faster and effective removal of infected pulp, saving time, and creating a pathogen-free environment. The patented rotary file system, Kedo S, designed for primary teeth, introduced a single file generation for efficient pulp therapy. However, there are currently no studies assessing canal preparation in primary mandibular canine using nano-computed tomography (nano-CT). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of rotary file systems (Kedo S plus, Kedo SG blue) against traditional hand files in root canal preparation of primary mandibular canines using nano-CT. Materials and Methods This in vitro study was performed in extracted primary mandibular canine based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were prepared and working length was determined before the preoperative scan using a high-resolution nano-CT device (SkyScan 2214, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). A single well-experienced pediatric dentist prepared the canals using three file systems: Kedo S plus, Kedo SG blue, and hand K-files. A postoperative scan was performed similar to preoperative scan. Image reconstruction was performed with NRecon software for three-dimensional volumetric visualization and analysis of the root canals. Results Kedo S plus displayed significant alterations in volumetric, surface area, and instrumented areas postpreparation compared with Kedo SG blue and hand files. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in volumetric and surface changes between Kedo S plus and hand files. Conclusion Rotary file systems, especially Kedo S plus, resulted in increased canal volume and surface area with minimal uninstrumented areas, showing promise for primary dentition root canal preparations. Further clinical assessments are warranted to validate these findings.

Optimizing anterior urethral stricture assessment: leveraging AI-assisted three-dimensional sonourethrography in clinical practice.

This investigation sought to validate the clinical precision and practical applicability of AI-enhanced three-dimensional sonographic imaging for the identification of anterior urethral stricture. The study enrolled 63 male patients with diagnosed anterior urethral strictures alongside 10 healthy volunteers to serve as controls. The imaging protocol utilized a high-frequency 3D ultrasound system combined with a linear stepper motor, which enabled precise and rapid image acquisition. For image analysis, an advanced AI-based segmentation process using a modified U-net algorithm was implemented to perform real-time, high-resolution segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction of the urethra. A comparative analysis was performed against the surgically measured stricture lengths. Spearman's correlation analysis was executed to assess the findings. The AI model completed the entire processing sequence, encompassing recognition, segmentation, and reconstruction, within approximately 5min. The mean intraoperative length of urethral stricture was determined to be 14.4 ± 8.4mm. Notably, the mean lengths of the urethral strictures reconstructed by manual and AI models were 13.1 ± 7.5mm and 13.4 ± 7.2mm, respectively. Interestingly, no statistically significant disparity in urethral stricture length between manually reconstructed and AI-reconstructed images was observed. Spearman's correlation analysis underscored a more robust association of AI-reconstructed images with intraoperative urethral stricture length than manually reconstructed 3D images (0.870 vs. 0.820). Furthermore, AI-reconstructed images provided detailed views of the corpus spongiosum fibrosis from multiple perspectives. The research heralds the inception of an innovative, efficient AI-driven sonographic approach for three-dimensional visualization of urethral strictures, substantiating its viability and superiority in clinical application.

SNNtrainer3D: Training Spiking Neural Networks Using a User-Friendly Application with 3D Architecture Visualization Capabilities

Spiking Neural Networks have gained significant attention due to their potential for energy efficiency and biological plausibility. However, the reduced number of user-friendly tools for designing, training, and visualizing Spiking Neural Networks hinders widespread adoption. This paper presents the SNNtrainer3D v1.0.0, a novel software application that addresses these challenges. The application provides an intuitive interface for designing Spiking Neural Networks architectures, with features such as dynamic architecture editing, allowing users to add, remove, and edit hidden layers in real-time. A key innovation is the integration of Three.js for three-dimensional visualization of the network structure, enabling users to inspect connections and weights and facilitating a deeper understanding of the model’s behavior. The application supports training on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset and allows the downloading of trained weights for further use. Moreover, it lays the groundwork for future integration with physical memristor technology, positioning it as a crucial tool for advancing neuromorphic computing research. The advantages of the development process, technology stack, and visualization are discussed. The SNNtrainer3D represents a significant step in making Spiking Neural Networks more accessible, understandable, and easier for Artificial Intelligence researchers and practitioners.

Feasibility study and optimization of limestone calcined clay composites for compressive strength using multi-layered explainable artificial intelligence models

Interpretable white box machine learning models to predict the compressive strength of Limestone Calcined Clay (LC3) cementitious composite have been developed and analyzed. For this, a large dataset consisting of more than 4000 numerical instances has been collected from the literature, which has been tuned and normalized. Mainly based on the proportion of the chemical composition of its main ingredients – Limestone (0–31 by %mass of LC3), Calcined Clay (0–70 by %mass of LC3), and Cement (30–100 by %mass of LC3) with a water-to-binder ratio ranging from 0.40 to 0.60, predictive models have been developed for the 28 days compressive strength (fc) of LC3. The performance of various predictive models is then compared across the dataset, and suggestions are made for their reliability and explainability. The models are further interpretated using multi-layered explanations invoking model-agnostic explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) technique. Optimization and interaction plots have also been generated and shown as three-dimensional (3D) visualization. Percent of calcined clay, cement and the water to binder ratio were found to be the most influencing parameters for the compressive strength of LC3. Results of this study indicate that the optimized blends of LC3 can be expressed with up to 50 % replacement of OPC without any significant compromise in fc, contributing to the development of sustainable cementitious composites. The major advantage of using this framework lies in the model agnostic approach, so different predictive models can be compared in a same manner and thus, this approach is applicable to interpretable forecasting models for binary, ternary, quaternary sustainable cementitious composites.

Investigating three-dimensional vortex evolution in centrifugal pump under rotating stall conditions using tomographic particle image velocimetry

A rotating stall in centrifugal pumps commonly occurs under off-design operations, which is a detrimental phenomenon leading to flow instabilities, pressure fluctuations, and reduced performance. A time-resolved non-intrusive three-dimensional (3D) flow visualization method is developed for investigating complex vortex structures in centrifugal pumps based on Omega vortex identification and tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo-PIV). A special-made centrifugal pump prototype was developed with acrylic glass allowing for optical access. This method enables both qualitative and quantitative analysis of high spatiotemporal resolution on flow behaviors and dynamics under various stall conditions. The ultra-high sampling frequency realized over 40 time-consecutive observations per revolution under 0.2 Qd, 0.4 Qd, 0.6 Qd, and 0.8 Qd. It captures the instantaneous evolution of vortex structures that undergoes a growth–breakup transition within 7–9 ms. The rotating stall mechanism is revealed experimentally from the evolution of the vortex structure. Our analysis shows the tomo-PIV's additional velocity component aids in understanding the 3D characteristics of the stall. A substantial region of reverse flow in the z-axis direction is observed under 0.2 Qd. Vortex structures are more prone to blockage at the impeller inlet, exacerbating the stall phenomenon. As the flow rate increases, the velocity distributions across different layers exhibit a laminar characteristic with a more uniform profile. The vortex structures extend radially and migrate toward the outlet. The evolutions of the stall vortex, wake vortex, and inlet vortex share the same dominant frequency components (4.75fn and 5.25fn), but the flow rate affects the proportion of different frequency components.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) application towards environmental sustainability

Abstract The interest in Building Information Modeling (BIM) is increasing among researchers and construction industry players around the world including Malaysia. BIM is known as a technology that has the ability to perform three-dimensional (3D) visualization to eliminate clashes in design, which indirectly reduce rework and construction wastage. Since the Government of Malaysia is currently encouraging BIM, focusing on educating the construction players with reliable information about BIM is perceived as important. Therefore, this study aims to explore the awareness of contractors particularly on the BIM application towards environmental sustainability. A total of 133 responses were received from the data collection process and these data were analyzed to determine the role of BIM in contributing towards environmental sustainability from the contractors’ perspective. The finding reveals that the awareness of respondents is influenced by their knowledge on BIM. Most of the contractors are aware of BIM application towards environmental sustainability, except for reducing rework. In this context, providing or educating construction players on the BIM application towards sustainability aspects is perceived necessary to create awareness and provide a better understanding in anticipation of improved use of BIM in the construction industry.

MR imaging methods to study meniscal position and mechanics

ObjectiveMeniscal mechanics have been studied widely due to the high prevalence of meniscal injuries and their strong association with knee degeneration. Computational models and cadaver studies have contributed to our understanding of the menisci but require assumptions to extrapolate to living people. Imaging modalities provide the ability to make key measurements in vivo. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides the three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the menisci required to make important measurements related to mechanical function. This mini review summarizes MR approaches that have been used to make measurements related to meniscal mechanics, including morphology, position, movement, shape, and extrusion. DesignA literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search terms including “meniscus” and “MRI” in combination with “mechanics”, “position”, “shape”, “movement”, “size”, “loaded”, and “unloaded”. Articles were manually reviewed and selected by consensus between the authors as constituting the most important examples of work required to illustrate the breadth of measurement and imaging approaches used in research on meniscal function. ResultsMRI has been used for quantitative 3D analyses of the morphology and position of the menisci. Morphological analyses included measurements of meniscal volume, thickness, width, and bulging. Positional analyses included measurements of the overlap between the meniscal surface and tibial joint surface, the amount of extrusion, and the percentage of joint surface area and meniscal area that were covered or uncovered. Open MR scanners have been used to measure the movement of the menisci from full extension to deep flexion. MR compatible loading devices have been used to study the effect of loading on meniscal morphology and extrusion. Studies using these methods have found that there are differences in meniscal morphology between healthy and osteoarthritic participants, that the lateral meniscus and anterior horns have greater movement throughout flexion, and that meniscal extrusion increases under load. ConclusionsMRI has improved our insight into meniscal mechanics. Simulated weightbearing, open imaging through the range of knee flexion, and image processing to yield 3D measurements have all contributed to this progress. These approaches have strong potential to explore clinically motivated research questions related to meniscal mechanics.

Value of the three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for malignant adrenal tumors: A clinical comparative study.

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system (3DVAPS) in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (US-PMWA) for malignant adrenal tumors (MATs). A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 62 unilateral MAT cases from March 2011 to November 2022. There were a total of 62 lesions, with a mean maximum diameter of 5.4 ± 2.7 cm (range, 1.4-15.7 cm). The patients were categorized into the following, based on the pre-operative planning method: 3D planning (n = 32) and 2D planning (n = 30) groups. A comparative analysis was performed on various parameters, including ablation techniques, tumor-related prognosis, and incidence of complications. This analysis encompassed indicators, such as overall survival (OS) rate and local tumor progression (LTP), among others. The median follow-up period was 30 months (range, 3-84 months). Notably, compared with the 2D planning group, the 3D planning group exhibited significant disparities in the number of punctures (P = 0.035) and incidence of complications (P = 0.029) and had no significant difference in the OS (P > 0.05) but had a significantly lower LTP rate (6.2% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.033). In the 3D planning group, the sub-group with a tumor diameter of < 5 cm exhibited a significantly less number of punctures (P = 0.039), lower input energy (P = 0.002), and a shorter ablation time (P = 0.001), compared with the sub-group with a tumor diameter of ≥ 5 cm, but there was no significant difference in the LTP and OS rates between the two sub-groups (P > 0.05). The use of 3DVAPS in US-PMWA of MATs was advantageous, especially in lesions with a diameter of ≥ 5 cm. It can help in developing more rational surgical plans, reducing the incidence of complications, and extending the local recurrence-free survival time of patients and can add a certain value for precise treatment and expand the indications for ablation.

Evaluating the use of three-dimensional reconstruction visualization technology for precise laparoscopic resection in gastroesophageal junction cancer.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) carcinoma enables the removal of the carcinoma at the junction between the stomach and esophagus while preserving the gastric function, thereby providing patients with better treatment outcomes and quality of life. Nonetheless, this surgical technique also presents some challenges and limitations. Therefore, three-dimensional reconstruction visualization technology (3D RVT) has been introduced into the procedure, providing doctors with more comprehensive and intuitive anatomical information that helps with surgical planning, navigation, and outcome evaluation. To discuss the application and advantages of 3D RVT in precise laparoscopic resection of EGJ carcinomas. Data were obtained from the electronic or paper-based medical records at The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2020 to June 2022. A total of 120 patients diagnosed with EGJ carcinoma were included in the study. Of these, 68 underwent laparoscopic resection after computed tomography (CT)-enhanced scanning and were categorized into the 2D group, whereas 52 underwent laparoscopic resection after CT-enhanced scanning and 3D RVT and were categorized into the 3D group. This study had two outcome measures: the deviation between tumor-related factors (such as maximum tumor diameter and infiltration length) in 3D RVT and clinical reality, and surgical outcome indicators (such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node dissections, R0 resection rate, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative gas discharge time, drainage tube removal time, and related complications) between the 2D and 3D groups. Among patients included in the 3D group, 27 had a maximum tumor diameter of less than 3 cm, whereas 25 had a diameter of 3 cm or more. In actual surgical observations, 24 had a diameter of less than 3 cm, whereas 28 had a diameter of 3 cm or more. The findings were consistent between the two methods (χ2 = 0.346, P = 0.556), with a kappa consistency coefficient of 0.808. With respect to infiltration length, in the 3D group, 23 patients had a length of less than 5 cm, whereas 29 had a length of 5 cm or more. In actual surgical observations, 20 cases had a length of less than 5 cm, whereas 32 had a length of 5 cm or more. The findings were consistent between the two methods (χ2 = 0.357, P = 0.550), with a kappa consistency coefficient of 0.486. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the maximum tumor diameter and infiltration length measured using 3D RVT were positively correlated with clinical observations during surgery (r = 0.814 and 0.490, both P < 0.05). The 3D group had a shorter operative time (157.02 ± 8.38 vs 183.16 ± 23.87), less intraoperative blood loss (83.65 ± 14.22 vs 110.94 ± 22.05), and higher number of lymph node dissections (28.98 ± 2.82 vs 23.56 ± 2.77) and R0 resection rate (80.77% vs 61.64%) than the 2D group. Furthermore, the 3D group had shorter hospital stay [8 (8, 9) vs 13 (14, 16)], time to gas passage [3 (3, 4) vs 4 (5, 5)], and drainage tube removal time [4 (4, 5) vs 6 (6, 7)] than the 2D group. The complication rate was lower in the 3D group (11.54%) than in the 2D group (26.47%) (χ2 = 4.106, P < 0.05). Using 3D RVT, doctors can gain a more comprehensive and intuitive understanding of the anatomy and related lesions of EGJ carcinomas, thus enabling more accurate surgical planning.

SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED COLORECTAL CANCER WITH ABDOMINAL WALL INVASION AND IMPLANTATION

Abstract Aim The prognosis of abdominal wall invasion and implantation from colorectal cancer (CRC) is not good. With radical resection and abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) technique, locally advanced CRC patients with resectable abdominal wall invasion and implantation may achieve longer tumor-free survival time and an improved quality of life. Methods 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative three-dimensional visualization reconstruction of the abdominal wall and evaluation with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patient information, including tumor size, defect size, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stays, and other factors, was collected. Results All 15 locally advanced CRC patients with abdominal wall invasion and implantation underwent radical abdominal wall tumor resection followed by AWR. The average tumor dimension and abdominal wall defects after resection were 98.13 ± 71.70 and 270.07 ± 101.95 cm2 respectively; and accurate abdominal wall classification and zoning were obtained for all patients. The average operation time was 431.7 ± 189.2 min, and the average blood loss was 513.3 ± 244.6 ml. The incidence of incisional hernia and CRC recurrence were 6.0% and 13.3%, respectively. Conclusions With comprehensive preoperative evaluation, results of radical resection of abdominal wall invasion and implantation in locally advanced CRC patients is satisfactory and safe.

Innovations in laparoscopy: current trends and prospects for the development of surgical techniques

The article examines current trends and prospects for the development of surgical techniques in laparoscopy with an emphasis on innovation. The latest technologies and methods used in laparoscopic surgery, such as robotic surgery, improved video systems, three-dimensional visualization and telemedicine solutions, are highlighted. The authors analyze the benefits of these innovations, including more accurate and effective procedures, shorter patient recovery time, and reduced risk of complications. The challenges facing the introduction of new technologies, including the need for staff training and the high cost of equipment, are also considered. It is concluded that innovations in laparoscopy play a key role in modern surgery and have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in the future.

Unveiling tumor invasiveness: enhancing cancer diagnosis with phase-contrast microtomography for 3D virtual histology

Malignant diseases are characterized by a critical trait known as invasiveness, where tumor cells tend to spread from the primary tissue layer into surrounding healthy tissues and distant organs. Presently, histopathology offers essential insights for diagnosing, classifying, predicting outcomes, and guiding patient-specific treatments. However, histology offers two-dimensional data from chosen cutting planes. Although 3D histological volumes can be generated through serial sectioning or whole slide imaging, this method is laborious, may introduce processing artefacts, and lacks isotropic spatial resolution. These limitations pose a considerable challenge to accurate diagnoses, particularly when dealing with micro-infiltrating carcinomas. These lesions, characterized by minute infiltrations, demand a three-dimensional representation for comprehensive visualization, essential for precise identification and assessment. Emerging X-ray-based virtual histology technology offers three-dimensional visualization of soft-tissue specimens, enabling virtual slicing in any direction or at any point. This approach can assist in guiding tissue sectioning for optimal representation of tumor cross sections during histological analysis. Micro-infiltrating carcinomas from the breast, cervix, and thyroid were imaged using X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (PhC-μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT) at the Elettra synchrotron facility in Trieste, Italy. Comparative assessment of histological and CT slices by pathologists revealed that PhC-μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}CT aids in classifying lesions by highlighting distinct tissue components and, notably, identifying tissue invasion. Reviewing a volume image allows pathologists to trace the entire lesion, identifying invasion sites that might be overlooked in individual or serial histological sections. Consequently, this proposed method could complement pathologists’ tools, potentially enhancing diagnoses by minimizing under-staging and reducing false negative results.

Application of mixed reality technology in free fibular flap transplantation for repairing mandibular defects

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of mixed reality technology for localizing perforator vessels in the repair of mandibular defects using free fibular flap. Between June 2020 and June 2023, 12 patients with mandibular defects were repaired with free fibular flap. There were 8 males and 4 females, with an average age of 61 years (range, 35-78 years). There were 9 cases of ameloblastomas and 3 cases of squamous cell carcinomas involving the mandible. The disease duration ranged from 15 days to 2 years (median, 14.2 months). The length of mandibular defects ranged from 5 to 14 cm (mean, 8.5 cm). The area of soft tissue defects ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 8 cm×6 cm. Preoperative enhanced CT scans of the maxillofacial region and CT angiography of the lower limbs were performed, and the data was used to create three-dimensional models of the mandible and lower limb perforator vessels. During operation, the mixed reality technology was used to overlay the three-dimensional model of perforator vessels onto the body surface for harvesting the free fibular flap. The length of the fibula harvested ranged from 6 to 15 cm, with a mean of 9.5 cm; the size of the flap ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 10 cm×8 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly in 7 cases and repaired with free skin grafting in 5 cases. Thirty perforator vessels were located by mixed reality technology before operation, with an average of 2.5 vessels per case; the distance between the exit point of the perforator vessels located before operation and the actual exit point ranged from 1 to 4 mm, with a mean of 2.8 mm. All fibular flaps survived; 1 case had necrosis at the distal end of flap, which healed after dressing changes. One donor site had infection, which healed after anti-inflammatory dressing changes; the remaining incisions healed by first intention, and the grafts survived smoothly. All patients were followed up 8-36 months (median, 21 months). The repaired facial appearance was satisfactory, with no flap swelling. Among the patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy, 2 patients had normal bone healing and 1 had delayed healing at 6 months. In free fibular flap reconstruction of mandibular defects, the use of mixed reality technology for perforator vessel localization can achieve three-dimensional visualization, simplify surgical procedures, and reduce errors.