A micro-CT-based standard brain atlas of the bumblebee

AbstractIn recent years, bumblebees have become a prominent insect model organism for a variety of biological disciplines, particularly to investigate learning behaviors as well as visual performance. Understanding these behaviors and their underlying neurobiological principles requires a clear understanding of brain anatomy. Furthermore, to be able to compare neuronal branching patterns across individuals, a common framework is required, which has led to the development of 3D standard brain atlases in most of the neurobiological insect model species. Yet, no bumblebee 3D standard brain atlas has been generated. Here we present a brain atlas for the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans as a source for the raw data sets, rather than traditional confocal microscopy, to produce the first ever micro-CT-based insect brain atlas. We illustrate the advantages of the micro-CT technique, namely, identical native resolution in the three cardinal planes and 3D structure being better preserved. Our Bombus terrestris brain atlas consists of 30 neuropils reconstructed from ten individual worker bees, with micro-CT allowing us to segment neuropils completely intact, including the lamina, which is a tissue structure often damaged when dissecting for immunolabeling. Our brain atlas can serve as a platform to facilitate future neuroscience studies in bumblebees and illustrates the advantages of micro-CT for specific applications in insect neuroanatomy.

Download Full-text

Using micro-CT techniques to explore the role of sex and hair in the functional morphology of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) ocelli

10.1101/433979 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

David Wilby ◽

Tobio Aarts ◽

Pierre Tichit ◽

Andrew Bodey ◽

Christoph Rau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bombus Terrestris ◽

Visual Fields ◽

Mating Strategies ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

3D Data ◽

Computed Tomography Scans ◽

The Difference ◽

First Time

AbstractMany insects have triplets of camera type eyes, called ocelli, whose function remains unclear for most species. Here, we investigate the ocelli of the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, using reconstructed 3D data from X-ray micro computed-tomography scans combined with computational ray-tracing simulations. This method enables us, not only to predict the visual fields of the ocelli, but to explore for the first time the effect that hair has on them as well as the difference between worker female and male ocelli.We find that bumblebee ocellar fields of view are directed forward and dorsally, incorporating the horizon as well as the sky. There is substantial binocular overlap between the median and lateral ocelli, but no overlap between the two lateral ocelli. Hairs in both workers and males occlude the ocellar field of view, mostly laterally in the worker median ocellus and dorsally in the lateral ocelli. There is little to no sexual dimorphism in the ocellar visual field, suggesting that in B. terrestris they confer no advantage to mating strategies.We compare our results with published observations for the visual fields of compound eyes in the same species as well as with the ocellar vision of other bee and insect species.

Download Full-text

Revision of Icacinaceae from the Early Eocene London Clay flora based on X-ray micro-CT

Botany ◽

10.1139/cjb-2016-0063 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 94 (9) ◽

pp. 713-745 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Gregory W. Stull ◽

Neil F. Adams ◽

Steven R. Manchester ◽

Dan Sykes ◽

Margaret E. Collinson

Keyword(s):

Evolutionary History ◽

3D Structure ◽

Early Eocene ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

X Ray ◽

Fossil Material ◽

Technological Advances ◽

London Clay ◽

Clay Formation

The Early Eocene (Ypresian) London Clay Formation contains one of the most important fruit and seed assemblages from the Paleogene, including a large diversity of taxa (>350 spp.) preserved as pyrite permineralizations retaining 3D structure as well as anatomical detail. Despite the importance of the flora for understanding angiosperm biogeographic and evolutionary history, the majority of the fossil material has not been revisited since the original taxonomic treatments by E.M. Reid and M.E.J. Chandler. Given subsequent advances in our understanding of angiosperm phylogeny and fruit morphology, coupled with technological advances in imaging/visualizing fossil material, many of the taxa represented in the flora deserve further study. Here we present a revision of the pantropical family Icacinaceae using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images of 21 species from the flora. Based on the results, four new combinations are made, a new fossil-genus is established for a distinctive species with affinities to the Phytocreneae, and emended diagnoses are provided for eight taxa. Of the seven genera recognized from the flora, only one, Iodes Blume, is extant. This study offers important insights on the biogeographic and evolutionary history of Icacinaceae, which is one of the most abundant and diverse components of the flora from the London Clay Formation.

Download Full-text

Observation of the Pulp Chamber of Maxillary First Premolars: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study

Current Medical Imaging Formerly Current Medical Imaging Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573405615666191016125937 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 224-230

Author(s):

Gozde Serindere ◽

Ceren Aktuna Belgin ◽

Kaan Orhan

Keyword(s):

Root Canal ◽

Age Groups ◽

Slice Thickness ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Pulp Chamber ◽

Anatomical Structures ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

The Mean ◽

Chamber Floor

Background: There are a few studies about the evaluation of maxillary first premolars internal structure with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The aim of this study was to assess morphological features of the pulp chamber in maxillary first premolar teeth using micro- CT. Methods: Extracted 15 maxillary first premolar teeth were selected from the patients who were in different age groups. The distance between the pulp orifices, the diameter of the pulp and the width of the pulp chamber floor were measured on the micro-CT images with the slice thickness of 13.6 µm. The number of root canal orifices and the presence of isthmus were evaluated. Results: The mean diameter of orifices was 0.73 mm on the buccal side while it was 0.61 mm on palatinal side. The mean distance between pulp orifices was 2.84 mm. The mean angle between pulp orifices was -21.53°. The mean height of pulp orifices on the buccal side was 4.32 mm while the mean height of pulp orifices on the palatinal side was 3.56 mm. The most observed shape of root canal orifices was flattened ribbon. No isthmus was found in specimens. Conclusion: Minor anatomical structures can be evaluated in more detail with micro-CT. The observation of the pulp cavity was analyzed using micro-CT.

Download Full-text

Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis of Subchondral Bone Regeneration Using Osteochondral Scaffolds in an Ovine Condyle Model

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11030891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 891

Author(s):

Taylor Flaherty ◽

Maryam Tamaddon ◽

Chaozong Liu

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Subchondral Bone ◽

Volume Ratio ◽

Bone Volume ◽

Osteochondral Defects ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Trabecular Thickness ◽

Osteochondral Scaffold

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.

Download Full-text

Additive-manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V/Polyetheretherketone composite porous cage for Interbody fusion: bone growth and biocompatibility evaluation in a porcine model

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04022-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pei-I Tsai ◽

Meng-Huang Wu ◽

Yen-Yao Li ◽

Tzu-Hung Lin ◽

Jane S. C. Tsai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Formation ◽

Bone Growth ◽

Lumbar Fusion ◽

High Porosity ◽

Ti Alloy ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Intervertebral Fusion ◽

Porous Ti ◽

Peek Composite

Abstract Background We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60 and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.

Download Full-text

Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80404-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Javier Alba-Tercedor ◽

Wayne B. Hunter ◽

Ignacio Alba-Alejandre

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Significant Advance ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Diaphorina Citri ◽

Ct Reconstruction ◽

Internal Anatomy ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Citrus Leaf ◽

Teaching Aids ◽

Adult Feeding

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.

Download Full-text

A Micro-Computed Tomography Comparison of the Porosity in Additively Fabricated CuCr1 Alloy Parts Using Virgin and Surface-Modified Powders

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14081995 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (8) ◽

pp. 1995

Author(s):

Mirko Sinico ◽

Suraj Dinkar Jadhav ◽

Ann Witvrouw ◽

Kim Vanmeensel ◽

Wim Dewulf

Keyword(s):

High Energy ◽

High Energy Density ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Powder Bed ◽

Metallurgical Defects ◽

Ct Analysis ◽

Ct Data ◽

Surface Modified ◽

Fusion Pores

Recently, the use of novel CuCr1 surface-modified powder for reliable laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) manufacturing has been proposed, enabling a broader LPBF processing window and longer powder storage life. Nevertheless, virgin CuCr1 powder is also LPBF processable, on the condition that a high-energy density is employed. In this work, we compare two dense specimens produced from virgin and surface-modified CuCr1 powder. Furthermore, a third sample fabricated from surface-modified powder is characterized to understand an abnormal porosity content initially detected through Archimedes testing. Utilizing high-resolution micro-CT scans, the nature of the defects present in the different samples is revealed. Pores are analyzed in terms of size, morphology and spatial distribution. The micro-CT data reveal that the virgin CuCr1 dense specimen displays keyhole pores plus pit cavities spanning multiple layer thicknesses. On the other hand, the sample fabricated with the surface-modified CuCr1 powder mainly contains small and spherical equi-distributed metallurgical defects. Finally, the CT analysis of the third specimen reveals the presence of a W contamination, favoring lack-of-fusion pores between subsequent LPBF layers. The LPBF melting mode (keyhole or conductive), the properties of the material, and the potential presence of contaminants are connected to the different porosity types and discussed.

Download Full-text

Effects of pre-extraction intermittent PTH administration on extraction socket healing in bisphosphonate administered ovariectomized rats

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79787-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jae-Young Kim ◽

Hyo-Won Jang ◽

Jung-In Kim ◽

In-Ho Cha

Keyword(s):

Tooth Extraction ◽

Bisphosphonate Therapy ◽

Ovariectomized Rats ◽

Control Group ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Extraction Socket ◽

Before And After ◽

Socket Healing ◽

Positive Effect

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of administering intermittent parathyroid hormone (iPTH) before tooth extraction versus after tooth extraction on the risk of developing MRONJ in experimental animal model. Twenty-five ovariectomized rats received 6 weeks of bisphosphonate therapy. They were classified into 3 groups, based on the timing of the medication, as Control, Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups. For Control group, normal saline was administered before and after tooth extraction. iPTH was administered during 4 weeks before tooth extraction for Pre-PTH group and after tooth extraction for Post-PTH group. The animals were euthanized 8 weeks after tooth extraction. Macroscopic, histological, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histomorphometric examinations were conducted. The incidences of impaired healing were 11.11% both in Pre-PTH and Post-PTH groups, which was lower than the Control group (42.86%). Bone healing in the extraction socket, based on micro-CT and histomorphometry evaluations, was best in Post-PTH and worst in Control group. The Pre-PTH group showed moderate healing pattern. Despite of limitations in this study, the authors identified Pre-PTH group seems to have positive effect on extraction socket healing. With regard to timing, administering iPTH after tooth extraction was superior to applying it before tooth extraction.

Download Full-text

Listeria monocytogenes: silage, sandwiches and science

Animal Health Research Reviews ◽

10.1079/ahr2005111 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 211-217 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Charles J. Czuprynski

Keyword(s):

Listeria Monocytogenes ◽

Murine Model ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Model Organism ◽

Intracellular Pathogen ◽

Innate And Adaptive Immunity ◽

Potential Vector ◽

Broad Array ◽

Common Framework ◽

Substantial Risk

AbstractListeria monocytogenesis amongst the most intriguing and well studied of the pathogenic bacteria. However, the understanding and perspective one has ofL. monocytogenesdepends to a large extent on the microbiological issues with which one is faced as a part of your professional duties. The focus of the veterinary clinician or investigator is likely to be foremost on the neurologic (circling disease) and reproductive diseasesL. monocytogenescauses. To the food microbiologist, the principal concern is to prevent introduction ofL. monocytogenesinto food products, or to identify its presence and prevent its multiplication to numbers of organisms that are likely to pose a substantial risk to humans who ingest the product. To the cellular immunologist, listeriosis represents a robust murine model that helped to elucidate many important concepts in innate and adaptive immunity, andL. monocytogenesis a potential vector for delivery of novel vaccines. To the student of molecular pathogenesis,L. monocytogenesis a powerful and well-characterized model organism for studying the cellular microbiology of an intracellular pathogen. In this brief overview, I will attempt to highlight some of the classical observations, and contemporary insights, onL. monocytogenesand listeriosis, and integrate these perspectives into a common framework. By so doing, I hope to provide those with one perspective on listeriosis with an appreciation of the broad array of problems and issues faced by those who focus on some other aspect ofL. monocytogenesand its pathogenesis.

Download Full-text

MicroCT protocols for scanning of embryos and juvenile Hexaplex trunculus v1

10.17504/protocols.io.bxw4ppgw ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eva Chatzinikolaou ◽

Kleoniki Keklikoglou

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

High Resolution ◽

3D Imaging ◽

Imaging Technique ◽

Ct Scanning ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Micro Computed Tomography ◽

Gastropod Species ◽

Biological Studies ◽

Hexaplex Trunculus

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a high-resolution 3D-imaging technique which is now increasingly applied in biological studies focusing on taxonomy and functional morphology. The creation of virtual representations of specimens can increase availability of otherwise underexploited and inaccessible samples. This protocol aims to standardise micro-CT scanning procedures for embryos and juveniles of the marine gastropod species Hexaplex trunculus.

Download Full-text