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Fractography has been shown to be applicable to forensic assessments of skeletal trauma by observing the presence and orientation of fracture surface features, which reveal information about the direction of crack propagation. Previous... more
Fractography has been shown to be applicable to forensic assessments of skeletal trauma by observing the presence and orientation of fracture surface features, which reveal information about the direction of crack propagation. Previous studies have examined dry or processed bone surfaces, often fractured under controlled experimental conditions. Here we assess a series of clinical computed tomography scans involving lower extremity injuries and find that a number of fracture surface features can be seen on three-dimensional computational models (surface and volumetric). These findings indicate that bone fractography can be used in skeletal trauma analyses without processing the remains and may also have clinical as well as forensic applications.
The nature of forensic anthropology presents a number of ethical challenges to its practitioners. Some of these issues are similar to those encountered in bioarchaeology or biological anthropology, but a number of dilemmas are unique to... more
The nature of forensic anthropology presents a number of ethical challenges to its practitioners. Some of these issues are similar to those encountered in bioarchaeology or biological anthropology, but a number of dilemmas are unique to the discipline. These ethical challenges are continually growing and becoming more significant as forensic anthropologists practice in a number of different casework scenarios, both domestically and internationally. These include cases ranging from law enforcement or coroner investigations dealing with one individual to mass fatalities. Moreover, forensic anthropologists may be involved in cases requiring the analysis of living individuals, which brings its own unique ethical issues. As technology develops, and the contributions that forensic anthropology makes to various forensic investigations increases worldwide, the need to confront the multitude of ethical issues as well as ensuring forensic anthropologists are qualified and competent, rises exponentially. This chapter highlights a number of areas, including: codes of ethics, field and laboratory analysis, age estimation in the living, education and teaching, research, and dealing with families within a forensic anthropological context. It is hoped that these topics will increase awareness of the need for ethical practice in forensic anthropology and some of the many professional challenges forensic anthropologists routinely face.
Fractography has been shown to be applicable to forensic assessments of skeletal trauma by observing the presence and orientation of fracture surface features, which reveal information about the direction of crack propagation. Previous... more
Fractography has been shown to be applicable to forensic assessments of skeletal trauma by observing the presence and orientation of fracture surface features, which reveal information about the direction of crack propagation. Previous studies have examined dry or processed bone surfaces, often fractured under controlled experimental conditions. Here we assess a series of clinical computed tomography scans involving lower extremity injuries and find that a number of fracture surface features can be seen on three-dimensional computational models (surface and volumetric). These findings indicate that bone fractography can be used in skeletal trauma analyses without processing the remains and may also have clinical as well as forensic applications.
BACKGROUND Surgical strategy in vestibular schwannomas may require subtotal resection to preserve neurological function. Residual tumor growth pattern and contrast enhancement in the immediate post-resection period remains uncertain. We... more
BACKGROUND Surgical strategy in vestibular schwannomas may require subtotal resection to preserve neurological function. Residual tumor growth pattern and contrast enhancement in the immediate post-resection period remains uncertain. We sought to evaluate changes in the enhancement pattern and volume of vestibular schwannomas after subtotal resection in the immediate post-operative period. METHODS Volumetric analysis of tumor size and enhancement patterns of vestibular schwannomas were measured on MRIs obtained within three days of surgery, three months after surgery, and one year after surgery. RESULTS Nineteen patients were eligible for inclusion in the study (nine males and ten females) with an average age of 47 years. Contrast enhancement was absent in 6/19 (32%) of cases on the immediate post-resection MRI with return of expected enhancement on subsequent studies. Volumetric analysis identified that tumors decreased in size by an average of 35% in the first three months (p = 0.025) after resection and 46% in the first year after resection (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Vestibular schwannomas that undergo subtotal resection tend to decrease in size over the first 3 months after resection. Residual tumor volume may fail to enhance on the immediate post-resection MRI. Both of these findings could lead surgeons to misinterpret degree of resection after surgery and have implications for clinical decision making and research reporting in the scientific literature for vestibular schwannomas after subtotal resection.
... Stephanie L. Davy-Jow (Liverpool John Moores University, UK), Summer J. Decker (University of South Florida, USA) and Damian Schofield (State University of New York at Oswego, USA). Copyright © 2012. ... Davy-Jow, Stephanie L., Summer... more
... Stephanie L. Davy-Jow (Liverpool John Moores University, UK), Summer J. Decker (University of South Florida, USA) and Damian Schofield (State University of New York at Oswego, USA). Copyright © 2012. ... Davy-Jow, Stephanie L., Summer J. Decker and Damian Schofield. ...
Objective To assess the ability of current 3D printing technology to generate a craniofacial bony and soft tissue anatomical model for use in simulating the performance of a fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) osteotomy and then to further... more
Objective To assess the ability of current 3D printing technology to generate a craniofacial bony and soft tissue anatomical model for use in simulating the performance of a fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) osteotomy and then to further assess the value of the model as an educational tool. Design Anatomic models were designed with a process of serial anatomic segmentation/design, 3D printing, dissection, and device refinement. A validation study was conducted with 5 junior and 5 senior plastic surgery residents. The validation study incorporated a multiple-choice Knowledge Assessment test (KA), an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical skills (OSATs), a Global Rating Scale (GRS) and a Michigan Standard Simulation Experience Scale (MiSSES). We compared the scores of both the junior and senior residents and compared junior resident scores, before and after viewing a lecture/demonstration. Results MiSSES showed high face validity with a score of 85.1/90, signifying high satisfaction with the simulator learning experience. Simulation and the lecture/demonstration improved the junior resident average KA score from 5.6/10 to 9.6/10 ( P = .02), OSATs score from 32.4/66 to 64.4/66 ( P < .001) and GRS score from 13.9/35 to 27.5/35 ( P < .001). The senior residents OSATs score of 56.3/66 was higher than the pre-lecture juniors (32.4/66) ( P < .001), but lower than the post-lecture juniors (64.4/66) ( P < .001). Conclusion We have successfully fabricated a 3D printed craniofacial simulator capable of being used as an educational tool alongside traditional surgical training. Next steps would be improving soft tissue realism, inclusion of patient and disease specific anatomy and creation of models for other surgical specialties.
Despite numerous papers relating to the prediction of nose projection for the purposes of facial approximation, there is little guidance for nose tip shape that has been evaluated on a known data set. This study presents a novel, simple... more
Despite numerous papers relating to the prediction of nose projection for the purposes of facial approximation, there is little guidance for nose tip shape that has been evaluated on a known data set. This study presents a novel, simple technique for validation of the reconstructed nose tip shape based on methods used in actual approximation practice. The data set was comprised of 25 full-head computed tomography (CT) patient scans. In 22 of the 25 patients across all age and sex groups, when the head is tilted so that soft tissue pronasale is superimposed on hard tissue rhinion, the curvature of the nose tip was found to mimic the curvature of the superior portion of the nasal aperture. This occurs when the head is tilted dorsally by approximately 60° (55.87±5.91). Individuals with snub noses presented a much wider tip curvature. The method was highly repeatable and was evaluated through inter- and intra-observer studies (error=3.15%).
Objective To assess the ability of current 3D printing technology to generate a craniofacial bony and soft tissue anatomical model for use in simulating the performance of a fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) osteotomy and then to further... more
Objective To assess the ability of current 3D printing technology to generate a craniofacial bony and soft tissue anatomical model for use in simulating the performance of a fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) osteotomy and then to further assess the value of the model as an educational tool. Design Anatomic models were designed with a process of serial anatomic segmentation/design, 3D printing, dissection, and device refinement. A validation study was conducted with 5 junior and 5 senior plastic surgery residents. The validation study incorporated a multiple-choice Knowledge Assessment test (KA), an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical skills (OSATs), a Global Rating Scale (GRS) and a Michigan Standard Simulation Experience Scale (MiSSES). We compared the scores of both the junior and senior residents and compared junior resident scores, before and after viewing a lecture/demonstration. Results MiSSES showed high face validity with a score of 85.1/90, signifying high satisfact...
Agitated mixing vessels are widely used for suspension tasks. The development and characterization is mainly based on empirical correlations. Especially for solving special industrial mixing problems, which become more and more important,... more
Agitated mixing vessels are widely used for suspension tasks. The development and characterization is mainly based on empirical correlations. Especially for solving special industrial mixing problems, which become more and more important, a greater amount of detailed informations about the flow is needed. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) may be used to obtain a deeper insight. The possibilities of the Euler-Lagrange approach as an additional tool are given below. After a short description of the method, some calculation results for a model mixing vessel are presented as well as the related gain of information. It is focused on calculating particle concentration distributions in the vessel for different cases. The relevance of effects of the particles on the fluid as well as effects of particle-wall and particle-particle collisions are considered, too.
Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing in medicine have emerged to encompass every aspect of medical applications. This ranges from education, illustration, and treatment, as well as patient care whether for purposes of diagnosis or... more
Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing in medicine have emerged to encompass every aspect of medical applications. This ranges from education, illustration, and treatment, as well as patient care whether for purposes of diagnosis or treatment and surgical planning. In the past few decades, these novel tools have shown promising utility to help radiologists and the medical team to improve quality of patient care and outcomes via 3D printing application and utilization. This workflow will be illustrated through a ventricular septal defect (VSD) case at which 3D analysis was critical in the assessment and treatment planning of the patient's underlying medical condition.
Tissue clearing technologies can greatly improve the depth and accuracy with which the three-dimensional structure of tissues, especially those of the nervous system, can be visualized. A review of the present literature suggests that the... more
Tissue clearing technologies can greatly improve the depth and accuracy with which the three-dimensional structure of tissues, especially those of the nervous system, can be visualized. A review of the present literature suggests that the growing diversity and sophistication of various approaches have contributed to the expansion of this method to a greater variety of tissue types, experimental conditions, and imaging modalities. In the proof-of-concept study presented in this paper, a simplified and modified version of the tissue clearing method CUBIC (clear, unobstructed brain imaging cocktails and computational analysis) was used in conjunction with fluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry to illustrate the three-dimensional structure and molecular characteristics of inflammatory and degenerative activity in the mouse optic nerve. Based on the studies summarized in this mini-review, and our impression from using the mCUBIC method, it appears that tissue clearing could be a viable approach revealing three-dimensional histological features of myelin-rich tissues under normal conditions and after injury.
Dans un mode de realisation, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'ancrage reversible comprenant une base dotee d'un axe filete et un passage interne qui s'etend a travers la base dans son sens longitudinal, et un bouchon... more
Dans un mode de realisation, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'ancrage reversible comprenant une base dotee d'un axe filete et un passage interne qui s'etend a travers la base dans son sens longitudinal, et un bouchon presentant une surface superieure, une surface inferieure, une ouverture circulaire filetee formee dans la surface inferieure adapte pour se visser sur l'axe filete de la base, et une ouverture de suture qui s'etend depuis la surface superieure du bouchon a l'ouverture circulaire filetee qu'une suture peut traverser.
Spontaneous left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are very rare and can have catastrophic consequences if unrecognized. A case of combined spontaneous left ventricular aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm in Behcet's disease (BD) has been reported.... more
Spontaneous left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are very rare and can have catastrophic consequences if unrecognized. A case of combined spontaneous left ventricular aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm in Behcet's disease (BD) has been reported. The case emphasizes advanced techniques for percutaneous closure of the defects with the use of an ex-vivo three-dimensional cardiac printed model as a tool to facilitate the procedure.
The nasopharyngeal swab is a critical component of the COVID-19 testing kit. Supply chain remains greatly impacted by the pandemic. Teams from USF Health Radiology and Northwell Health System developed a 3D-printed stopgap alternative.... more
The nasopharyngeal swab is a critical component of the COVID-19 testing kit. Supply chain remains greatly impacted by the pandemic. Teams from USF Health Radiology and Northwell Health System developed a 3D-printed stopgap alternative. This descriptive study details the workflow and provides guidance for hospital-based 3D printing labs to leverage the design to make a positive impact on the pandemic. Swab use is also outlined, and the early information regarding clinical use is described, including an ongoing multicenter trial methodology.
Computed virtual models of anatomical structures are proving to be of increasing value in clinical medicine, education and research. With a variety of fields focused on craniofacial and pelvic anatomy there is a need for accurate... more
Computed virtual models of anatomical structures are proving to be of increasing value in clinical medicine, education and research. With a variety of fields focused on craniofacial and pelvic anatomy there is a need for accurate anatomical models. Recent technological advancements in computer and medical imaging technologies have provided the tools necessary to develop three-dimensional (3D) functional models of human anatomy for use in medicine (surgical planning and education), forensics and engineering (computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis). Traditionally caliper methodologies are used in the quantitative analysis of human anatomy. In order for experts in anatomy and morphometrics to accept a transition to 3D volumetric data, it must be first validated as anatomically accurate. The purpose of this project was to create anatomically accurate models of modern human anatomy through the use of 3D medical imaging, such as multislice computed tomography (CT), and 3D...
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a standard image modality used in forensic death investigations. Case- and audience-specific visualizations are vital for identifying relevant findings and communicating them appropriately.... more
Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is a standard image modality used in forensic death investigations. Case- and audience-specific visualizations are vital for identifying relevant findings and communicating them appropriately. Different data types and visualization methods exist in 2D and 3D, and all of these types have specific applications. 2D visualizations are more suited for the radiological assessment of PMCT data because they allow the depiction of subtle details. 3D visualizations are better suited for creating visualizations for medical laypersons, such as state attorneys, because they maintain the anatomical context. Visualizations can be refined by using additional techniques, such as annotation or layering. Specialized methods such as 3D printing and virtual and augmented reality often require data conversion. The resulting data can also be used to combine PMCT data with other 3D data such as crime scene laser scans to create crime scene reconstructions. Knowledge of...
BACKGROUND Mortality after gluteal augmentation with fat transfer techniques is extremely high. Placement of fat subcutaneously versus in the gluteal musculature, or both, are considerably debated. The purpose of this study was to... more
BACKGROUND Mortality after gluteal augmentation with fat transfer techniques is extremely high. Placement of fat subcutaneously versus in the gluteal musculature, or both, are considerably debated. The purpose of this study was to radiographically show the anatomical difference in live subjects in different procedural positions: the flexed or "Jack-knife" versus prone positions. METHODS A total of ten females underwent Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning of the pelvis with venous phase run-off in both the "Jack-knife" and prone positions. A CT specialized radiologist then reviewed images and measured distances from the inferior and superior gluteal veins (IGV and SGV, respectively) to the skin and muscle. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and analysis were also performed. RESULTS Measurements were significantly shorter with respect to distance from skin to muscle, skin to vessel, and vessel to muscle observed from IGV and SGV in the "Jack-knife" versus the prone positions. 3D modeling showed a significant reduction in the volume and SGV and IGV diameters when in the "Jack-knife" position. CONCLUSIONS When placed in the "Jack-knife" position for gluteal augmentation with fat transfer, extreme caution should be taken with the injecting cannula as the underlying muscle is only 2-3 centimeters deep. 3D analysis showed narrowed and reduced volume of gluteal vasculature when in the "Jack-knife" position; a possible indication of torsion or stretch on the vessel around the pelvic rim that could cause vein avulsion injury from the pressurized fat within the piriform space.
This paper presents the outcome of the first international forensic radiology and imaging research summit, organized by the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, the International Association of Forensic Radiographers,... more
This paper presents the outcome of the first international forensic radiology and imaging research summit, organized by the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, the International Association of Forensic Radiographers, the National Institute of Justice of the United States of America, and the Netherlands Forensic Institute. During this meeting, an international and multidisciplinary panel of forensic scientists discussed the current state of science in forensic radiology, and drafted a research agenda to further advance the field. Four groups for further research focus were identified: big data and statistics, identification and biological profiling, multimodal imaging, and visualization and presentation. This paper describes each of these research topics and thereby hopes to contribute to the development of this exciting new field of forensic medical science.
Previous chapters in this text have demonstrated some of the applications of three-dimensional (3D) imaging capture methods including medical imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI), 3D surface or laser scanning, 3D photography, and microscopy. This... more
Previous chapters in this text have demonstrated some of the applications of three-dimensional (3D) imaging capture methods including medical imaging (X-ray/CT/MRI), 3D surface or laser scanning, 3D photography, and microscopy. This chapter will discuss what exactly 3D data is filewise and what information is embedded in those files. It will also make recommendations as to how to efficiently manage 3D image data and store it. Additionally, forensic researchers and practitioners will be made aware of some of the security issues they may face when working with sensitive 3D image files.
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can be detected in respiratory samples by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction... more
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can be detected in respiratory samples by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or other molecular methods. Accessibility of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has been limited by intermittent shortages of supplies required for testing, including flocked nasopharyngeal (FLNP) swabs. Methods We developed a 3-dimensional printed nasopharyngeal (3DP) swab as a replacement of the FLNP swab. The performance of 3DP and FLNP swabs were compared in a clinical trial of symptomatic patients at 3 clinical sites (n = 291) using 3 SARS-CoV-2 emergency use authorization tests: a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel and 2 commercial automated formats, Roche Cobas and NeuMoDx. Results The cycle threshold—C(t)—values from the gene targets and the RNase P gene control in the CDC assay s...

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Anthropology is the “study of man” and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including socio-cultural studies, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology. Physical anthropology or “biological” anthropology, the study of humans... more
Anthropology is the “study of man” and encompasses a diverse range of topics, including socio-cultural studies, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology. Physical anthropology or “biological” anthropology, the study of humans both living and deceased, can be further subcategorized into osteology, primatology, human evolution, and forensic anthropology. Forensic anthropology is the application of physical anthropology techniques to medico-legal settings.

Virtual Reality (VR) is being applied to forensic anthropology in a multitude of ways to benefit  research and teaching. Several large-scale projects have been launched to digitize, reconstruct and disseminate specimens (for example, http://www.virtual-anthropology.com). This chapter will begin with an overview of the discipline of forensic anthropology and discuss a number of representative applications of VR technology in this field that are changing the way in which case work may be handled in the future.
Image-guided procedures, such as those in radiology, are frequently reliant on data which is visualized on traditional monitors. In an operating theatre, these monitors are often placed at poor ergonomic positions, causing physicians to... more
Image-guided procedures, such as those in radiology, are frequently reliant on data which is visualized on traditional monitors. In an operating theatre, these monitors are often placed at poor ergonomic positions, causing physicians to rotate their heads to the side while their hands are working before them. This study seeks to investigate whether visualizing data on an augmented reality headset that projects an image in front of the participant will reduce task-time and increase efficiency. The primary purpose behind this study is to alleviate neck and back pain in physicians performing data/image guided procedures. A number of augmented reality headsets were tested in a clinical setting and a number of experiments were undertaken to test the viability of this technology in an operating theatre. The experiment consisted of comparing the use of an augmented reality headset against a computer monitor while performing tasks that required similar hand eye coordination to that needed during a surgery. The research hypothesized that the use of an augmented reality headset would increase accuracy and efficiency; while decreasing eye fatigue and neck/back pain.