Optimization of CT scanning protocol of Type B aortic dissection follow-up through 3D printed model

This research aims to develop and evaluate a human tissue-like material 3D printed model used as a phantom in determining optimized scanning parameters to reduce the radiation dose for Type B aortic dissection patients after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The results show that radiation risk for follow-up Type B aortic dissection patients can be potentially reduced. Further, the value of using 3D printed model in studying CT scanning protocols was further validated

Forensic Medicine

Forensic medicine is a continuously evolving science that is constantly being updated and improved, not only as a result of technological and scientific advances (which bring almost immediate repercussions) but also because of developments in the social and legal spheres. This book contains innovative perspectives and approaches to classic topics and problems in forensic medicine, offering reflections about the potential and limits of emerging areas in forensic expert research; it transmits the experience of some countries in the domain of cutting-edge expert intervention, and shows how research in other fields of knowledge may have very relevant implications for this practice

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL

The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces. Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded. Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy, environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration. Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during cranio-facial surgery

Pediatric Fractures

This reprint contains original research and review chapters concerning the latest advancements in various topics related to pediatric fractures. Topics include fractures of the face, clavicle, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, pelvis, femur, and tibia; special considerations focus on osteogenesis imperfecta patients; and consideration is also given to general pediatric fracture topics, such as the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality after pediatric trauma, the effects of NSAID and electronic cigarette use, and chapters on epidemiology and physical activity

Quantitative ultrasound image analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle for injury evaluation (a pilot study)

The aim of this study is to develop a non-invasive method based on quantitative ultrasound image analysis for the evaluation of muscle injury. The method needs to be sufficiently sensitive to detect possible changes in the muscle in order to monitor muscle injury repair and assist in gauging efficacy of treatment modalities. The gastrocnemius muscle was used to develop the method as this muscle constitutes a typical site for muscle injury. A three dimensional ultrasound sweep was performed on the gastrocnemius muscle of 25 healthy subjects and 5 patients with injured muscle using a 3D linear array transducer. Four slices were extracted from the 3D data set from the middle part of the muscle at different sites. Texture parameters include gray level, variance, skewness, kurtosis, co-occurrence matrix; run length matrix, gradient, autoregressive (AR) model and wavelet transform were extracted from the images. The coefficient of variation (CV) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for each texture parameter and used to test repeatability and reproducibility. The effect of varying the gain and the dynamic range setting on the texture features were also investigated. Four texture parameters were then used to obtain a reference set for normal gastrocnemius muscle. The four parameters were tested to ensure that there was no effect from the varying depth or size of ROI. These parameters were then tested against abnormal muscle. The texture parameters AR model and gradient were found to be the most sensitive parameters for differentiating healthy muscle from injured muscle and may be used as a tool to monitor the healing process