scholarly journals Optimizing Visualization in Endoscopic Spine Surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S59-S66
Author(s):  
Gregory W Basil ◽  
Vignessh Kumar ◽  
Michael Y Wang

Abstract Given the inherent limitations of spinal endoscopic surgery, proper lighting and visualization are of tremendous importance. These limitations include a small field of view, significant potential for disorientation, and small working cannulas. While modern endoscopic surgery has evolved in spite of these shortcomings, further progress in improving and enhancing visualization must be made to improve the safety and efficacy of endoscopic surgery. However, in order to understand potential avenues for improvement, a strong basis in the physical principles behind modern endoscopic surgery is first required. Having established these principles, novel techniques for enhanced visualization can be considered. Most compelling are technologies that leverage the concepts of light transformation, tissue manipulation, and image processing. These broad categories of enhanced visualization are well established in other surgical subspecialties and include techniques such as optical chromoendoscopy, fluorescence imaging, and 3-dimensional endoscopy. These techniques have clear applications to spinal endoscopy and represent important avenues for future research.

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1040
Author(s):  
Jose Faro ◽  
Mario Castro

Our current quantitative knowledge of the kinetics of antibody-mediated immunity is partly based on idealized experiments throughout the last decades. However, new experimental techniques often render contradictory quantitative outcomes that shake previously uncontroversial assumptions. This has been the case in the field of T-cell receptors, where recent techniques for measuring the 2-dimensional rate constants of T-cell receptor–ligand interactions exposed results contradictory to those obtained with techniques measuring 3-dimensional interactions. Recently, we have developed a mathematical framework to rationalize those discrepancies, focusing on the proper fine-grained description of the underlying kinetic steps involved in the immune synapse. In this perspective article, we apply this approach to unveil potential blind spots in the case of B-cell receptors (BCR) and to rethink the interactions between B cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDC) during the germinal center (GC) reaction. Also, we elaborate on the concept of “catch bonds” and on the recent observations that B-cell synapses retract and pull antigen generating a “retracting force”, and propose some testable predictions that can lead to future research.


This article addresses the 3-dimensional mixed intuitionistic fuzzy assignment problems (3D-MIFAPs). In this article, firstly, the author formulates an assignment problem (AP) and assumes the parameters are in uncertainty with hesitation. Secondly, based on the nature of the parameter the author defines various types of solid assignment problem (SAP) in uncertain environment. Thirdly, to solve 3D-MIFAP the PSK method for finding an optimal solution of fully intuitionistic fuzzy assignment problem (FIFAP) is extended by the author. Fourthly, the author presents the proofs of the proposed theorems and corollary. Fifthly, the proposed approach is illustrated with three numerical examples and the optimal objective value of 3D-MIFAP is obtained in the form of intuitionistic fuzzy number and the solution is checked with MATLAB and their coding are also given by the author. Sixthly, the author presents the comparison results and their graphical representation, merits and demerits of the proposed and existing methods and finally the author presents conclusion and future research directions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Weiss ◽  
Andrew Read-Fuller

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a valuable imaging technique in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) that can help direct a surgeon’s approach to a variety of conditions. A 3-dimensional analysis of head and neck anatomy allows practitioners to plan appropriately, operate with confidence, and assess results post-operatively. CBCT imaging has clear indications and limitations. CBCT offers the clinician 3-dimensional and multi-planar views for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment without the financial burden and radiation exposure of conventional computed tomography (CT) scans. Furthermore, CBCT overcomes certain limitations of 2-dimensional imaging, such as distortion, magnification, and superimposition. However, CBCT lacks the detailed depiction of soft tissue conditions for evaluation of pathologic conditions, head and neck infections, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc evaluation. This review evaluates the evidence-based research supporting the application of CBCT in the various fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, TMJ, orthognathic surgery, trauma, and pathology, and will assess the value of CBCT in pre-operative assessment, surgical planning, and post-operative analysis when applicable. Additionally, the significant limitations of CBCT and potential areas for future research will be discussed.


Sensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 506
Author(s):  
Yu-Jin Seol ◽  
Young-Jae Kim ◽  
Yoon-Sang Kim ◽  
Young-Woo Cheon ◽  
Kwang-Gi Kim

This paper reported a study on the 3-dimensional deep-learning-based automatic diagnosis of nasal fractures. (1) Background: The nasal bone is the most protuberant feature of the face; therefore, it is highly vulnerable to facial trauma and its fractures are known as the most common facial fractures worldwide. In addition, its adhesion causes rapid deformation, so a clear diagnosis is needed early after fracture onset. (2) Methods: The collected computed tomography images were reconstructed to isotropic voxel data including the whole region of the nasal bone, which are represented in a fixed cubic volume. The configured 3-dimensional input data were then automatically classified by the deep learning of residual neural networks (3D-ResNet34 and ResNet50) with the spatial context information using a single network, whose performance was evaluated by 5-fold cross-validation. (3) Results: The classification of nasal fractures with simple 3D-ResNet34 and ResNet50 networks achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 94.5% and 93.4% for binary classification, respectively, both indicating unprecedented high performance in the task. (4) Conclusions: In this paper, it is presented the possibility of automatic nasal bone fracture diagnosis using a 3-dimensional Resnet-based single classification network and it will improve the diagnostic environment with future research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Zeiger ◽  
Anthony Costa ◽  
Joshua Bederson ◽  
Raj K Shrivastava ◽  
Alfred M C Iloreta

Abstract BACKGROUND Neuronavigation systems assist with spatial orientation during endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery, but they require a correlation of 3-dimensional (3D) views with 2-dimensional (2D) radiology studies. OBJECTIVE To outline an initial experience with a novel technology platform that provides intraoperative navigation using 3D reconstructions of patient anatomy for endoscopic surgery. METHODS A retrospective study of endoscopic anterior skull base and complex paranasal procedures was performed. Data from preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were fused to create 3D digital models of patient anatomy. Using the technology developed by Surgical Theater (Mayfield Village, Ohio), these reconstructions were designed to highlight particular anatomic regions of interest. The models were studied to guide the surgical approach and anticipate critical structures. The reconstructions were linked with the navigational technology created by Brainlab (Munich, Germany) during endoscopic surgery. A dynamic image of the reconstruction was displayed alongside a matching endoscopic camera view. These 2 views could be overlaid to provide an immersive, mixed reality image of the patient's anatomy. RESULTS A total of 134 cases were performed. The pathologies included tumors of the anterior skull base or sinonasal cavity, inflammatory sinus disease, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Specific anatomic structures, such as the internal carotid arteries and optic nerves, were chosen for enhancement. Surgeons felt that the technology helped to guide the extent of bony dissection and to identify critical structures. CONCLUSION We describe the first clinical series of complex skull base pathologies treated using a novel mixed reality platform.


2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40
Author(s):  
Atsuyuki YAMAMOTO ◽  
Hiroshi HOSHINO ◽  
Masanori KASHIWAGI ◽  
Ryo KAWAMURA ◽  
Hiroko KOIWA ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Janet Olufunmilayo Williams ◽  
Nosayame Thomas Osahon

The potential of fungi as bio degraders of micro plastic particles was assessed using standard microbiological and Fourier transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis methods. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic fungal (THF) count of 4.24x104 cfu/ml was obtained with the least THF (2.72x104 cfu/ml) recorded during the dry season. Mean hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungal (HUF) count was highest (1.78x104 cfu/ml) during the wet period while the least HUF count (1.46x104 cfu/ml) was recorded during the dry period. Spectra of FTIR showed that the water contained microplastic particles in these proportions; polyethylene of low density (LDPE) 0.01%, 0.11% protein, 0.15% polystyrene, 0.37% polyamide, 1.14% cellulose, 1.21% polyurethane, 1.90% polyvinyl chloride, 3.11% polyester and 92% polypropylene, respectively. Species of fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium spp., Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Among the fungal isolates, A. niger and A. fumigatus were most active in degrading the micro plastic (polypropylene) with mean % weight loss of 71.09% and 53.09%, respectively while the least active was Penicillium spp. with a mean % weight loss of 28.64% during the study period. The order of degradation was Aspergillus niger > A. fumigatus > A. nidulans > Fusarium spp. > Rhizopus spp. > Microsporum canis > Mucor spp. > Penicillium spp. The potential to degrade micro plastic particles by these fungi can be harnessed. The foremost active fungi degrading potentials are as follows: A. niger (71.1%) and A. fumigatus (53.1%). The study has shown that isolates of fungi from Ohiakwu River in Nigeria possess the ability to degrade micro plastic (polypropylene) particles. Therefore, this research is of tremendous importance for industrial development and additionally for future research purposes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 531-545
Author(s):  
Cariša Bešić ◽  
Mihalj Bakator ◽  
Dejan Đorđević ◽  
Dragan Ćoćkalo

The domestic agro-food sector has an important role in economic development and in overall GDP growth. The concept of Agriculture 4.0 that integrates the use of information-communication technologies presents a direction in which the domestic agriculture sector should focus. Additionally, besides conducting business within the frameworks of Agriculture 4.0, the standardization of processes in the agro-food sector can also contribute to achieving competitiveness on the globalized market. In this paper the importance and number of ISO standards are investigated. In addition, factors and indicators that characterize Agriculture 4.0 are analysed. Based on the collected and analysed data, a unified competitiveness factor (UCF) is calculated for the period from 2017 to 2020. The UCF provides and overview on the potential competitiveness of the domestic agro-food sector. The paper contributes to the existing body of literature as it managed to provide a strong basis for future research in this domain.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veer I. P. Keizer ◽  
Simon Grosse-Holz ◽  
Maxime Woringer ◽  
Laura Zambon ◽  
Koceila Aizel ◽  
...  

AbstractOur understanding of the physical principles organizing the genome in the nucleus is limited by the lack of tools to directly exert and measure forces on interphase chromosomes in vivo and probe their material nature. Here, we present a novel approach to actively manipulate a genomic locus using controlled magnetic forces inside the nucleus of a living human cell. We observe viscoelastic displacements over microns within minutes in response to near-picoNewton forces, which are well captured by a Rouse polymer model. Our results highlight the fluidity of chromatin, with a moderate contribution of the surrounding material, revealing the minor role of crosslinks and topological effects and challenging the view that interphase chromatin is a gel-like material. Our new technology opens avenues for future research, from chromosome mechanics to genome functions.


Author(s):  
Michail N. Giannakos ◽  
Patrick Mikalef ◽  
Ilias O. Pappas

AbstractE-learning systems are receiving ever increasing attention in academia, business and public administration. Major crises, like the pandemic, highlight the tremendous importance of the appropriate development of e-learning systems and its adoption and processes in organizations. Managers and employees who need efficient forms of training and learning flow within organizations do not have to gather in one place at the same time or to travel far away to attend courses. Contemporary affordances of e-learning systems allow users to perform different jobs or tasks for training courses according to their own scheduling, as well as to collaborate and share knowledge and experiences that result in rich learning flows within organizations. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review of empirical studies at the intersection of e-learning and organizational learning in order to summarize the current findings and guide future research. Forty-seven peer-reviewed articles were collected from a systematic literature search and analyzed based on a categorization of their main elements. This survey identifies five major directions of the research on the confluence of e-learning and organizational learning during the last decade. Future research should leverage big data produced from the platforms and investigate how the incorporation of advanced learning technologies (e.g., learning analytics, personalized learning) can help increase organizational value.


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