Super-resolution (SR) microscopy is a cutting-edge method that can provide detailed structural information with high resolution. However, the thickness of the specimen has been a major limitation for SR methods, and large biological structures have posed a challenge. To overcome this, the key step is to optimise sample preparation to ensure optical homogeneity and clarity, which can enhance the capabilities of SR methods for the acquisition of thicker structures. Oocytes are the largest cells in the mammalian body and are crucial objects in reproductive biology. They are especially useful for studying membrane proteins. However, oocytes are extremely fragile and sensitive to mechanical manipulation and osmotic shocks, making sample preparation a critical and challenging step. We present an innovative, simple and sensitive approach to oocyte sample preparation for 3D STED acquisition. This involves alcohol dehydration and mounting into a high refractive index medium. This extended preparation procedure allowed us to successfully obtain a unique two-channel 3D STED SR image of an entire mouse oocyte. By optimising sample preparation, it is possible to overcome current limitations of SR methods and obtain high-resolution images of large biological structures, such as oocytes, in order to study fundamental biological processes. Lay Abstract: Super-resolution (SR) microscopy is a cutting-edge tool that allows scientists to view incredibly fine details in biological samples. However, it struggles with larger, thicker specimens, as they need to be optically clear and uniform for the best imaging results. In this study, we refined the sample preparation process to make it more suitable for SR microscopy. Our method includes carefully dehydrating biological samples with alcohol and then transferring them into a mounting medium that enhances optical clarity. This improved protocol enables high-resolution imaging of thick biological structures, which was previously challenging. By optimizing this preparation method, we hope to expand the use of SR microscopy for studying large biological samples, helping scientists better understand complex biological structures.

• MeSH
• Alcohols MeSH
• Microscopy, Fluorescence methods   MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Specimen Handling methods   MeSH
• Oocytes * MeSH
• Refractometry methods   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional * methods   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The clinical assessment of microvascular pathologies (in diabetes and in inflammatory skin diseases, for example) requires the visualization of superficial vascular anatomy. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) scanners based on an all-optical Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensor can provide highly detailed 3D microvascular images, but minutes-long acquisition times have precluded their clinical use. Here we show that scan times can be reduced to a few seconds and even hundreds of milliseconds by parallelizing the optical architecture of the sensor readout, by using excitation lasers with high pulse-repetition frequencies and by exploiting compressed sensing. A PAT scanner with such fast acquisition minimizes motion-related artefacts and allows for the volumetric visualization of individual arterioles, venules, venous valves and millimetre-scale arteries and veins to depths approaching 15 mm, as well as for dynamic 3D images of time-varying tissue perfusion and other haemodynamic events. In exploratory case studies, we used the scanner to visualize and quantify microvascular changes associated with peripheral vascular disease, skin inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Fast all-optical PAT may prove useful in cardiovascular medicine, oncology, dermatology and rheumatology.

• MeSH
• Skin blood supply   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microvessels diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Photoacoustic Techniques * methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional * methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Onkochirurgické operace vyžadující resekci předního segmentu dolní čelisti představují z hlediska funkční rekonstrukce jedny z nejnáročnějších výkonů. Dříve využívané rekonstrukce ocelovými dlahami vedly k vysoké morbiditě a neuspokojivým funkčním výsledkům. V posledních letech je na Klinice otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku FN u sv. Anny v Brně preferováno využití technologie 3D předoperačního plánování. V prezentované kazuistice je detailně popsán postup virtuálního plánování, využití koncepčních 3D modelů a resekčních šablon a jsou diskutovány výhody a nevýhody využití 3D technologie při mandibulární rekonstrukci.

Oncological surgical procedures involving resection of the anterior segment of the mandible represent in terms of functional reconstruction one of the most challenging procedures. Previously used reconstruction methods with steel plates resulted in high morbidity and unsatisfactory functional outcomes. In recent years, the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at St. Anne‘s University Hospital in Brno has preferred the use of 3D preoperative planning technology. The presented case report provides a detailed description of the virtual planning process, the use of conceptual 3D models and cutting guides, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D technology in mandibular reconstruction.

• MeSH
• Printing, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Autografts surgery   transplantation   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mandibular Reconstruction * methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Bone Transplantation methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a novel method for creating highly detailed three-dimensional physical models of lung lobes, incorporating tumour morphology and surrounding structures, with the aim of improving the assessment of operability for central lung tumours. CASE PRESENTATION: A method was developed that uses standard computed tomography (CT) scans to mark the desired structures and generate a three-dimensional image for physical model creation. The generated STL files can be seamlessly integrated into virtual reality, allowing the sharing of selected CT scan data. Our approach has been successfully integrated into clinical practice, enabling multidisciplinary teams to make informed decisions for patients with central lung tumours. We have reduced the preparation time of physical models from 100 h to 18 h. CONCLUSIONS: The novel method, which employs 3D printing technology, has enhanced the assessment of operability for central lung tumours, thereby facilitating more precise decisions regarding patient management. This innovative approach has the potential to enhance patient outcomes by reducing complications and optimizing treatment planning.

• MeSH
• Printing, Three-Dimensional * MeSH
• Models, Anatomic * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * diagnostic imaging   surgery   pathology   MeSH
• Lung diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional * methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

Úvod a cíl: Plně digitální workflow začíná ovládat naše ordinace. Přesnost a správnost některých intraorálních skenerů je nejenom dostatečná, ale výrazně překonává klasickou technologii otiskování (sádrový model) pro účely malých protetických rekonstrukcí. U velkých rekonstrukcí je ale situace zcela jiná. Cílem tohoto přehledu bylo shrnout současné poznatky o používaných technologiích intraorálních skenerů a měření jejich přesnosti. Dalším cílem bylo zhodnocení pomůcek/přípravků a postupů zpřesňujících intraorální skenování u velkých fixních protetických rekonstrukcí. Metodika: V databázích PubMed/Medline, Scopus a Embase bylo provedeno vyhledávání na základě klíčových slov: „Intraoral scanner“, „CAD/CAM“, „Trueness“, „Precision“, „Optical impression“, „Custom-made measuring device“, „Guided implant scanning“, „Continuous scan strategy“. Výsledky byly omezeny na články publikované v anglickém jazyce v letech 2010–2024. Výsledky: Kritéria pro zařazení do našeho článku splňovalo 37 publikací. Článků popisujících technologie, se kterými pracují dostupné intraorální skenery, bylo velmi málo. Publikací, které se zaměřovaly na zpřesnění intraorálního skenovaní pomocí nových postupů nebo přípravků, bylo 21. Zbylé zahrnuté články se zabývaly srovnáváním přesnosti intraorálních skenerů mezi různými výrobky nebo srovnáním s tradičními výrobními postupy. Většina studií porovnávajících přesnost intraorálních skenerů dříve využívala měření vzdálenosti a úhlové chyby. V novějších studiích převládá metoda překrývání povrchových dat získaných 3D skenery. Pouze jedna studie využívá pyramid replacement method s Prokrustovou analýzou. Závěr: Článků zabývajících se principem intraorálních skenerů je velmi málo a ve stomatologických časopisech jde o raritu. Z analýzy dostupné literatury vyplývá, že možností zpřesnění intraorálního skenu je více. Jedná se zejména o optimalizaci trasy skenování a zapojení jiných přístrojů bez skládací chyby do protetických postupů. Nadějně vypadají zejména extraorální skenery, a hlavně zapojení protetických laboratorních skenerů. Zmenšení deformace intraorálních skenů pomocí různých přípravků pravděpodobně nepřinese požadované zpřesnění.

Introduction and aim: A fully digital workflow is increasingly dominating our surgeries. For small prosthetic reconstructions on teeth or implants, the precision and trueness of certain intraoral scanners are not only sufficient, but significantly better than the conventional technology – dental impression/plaster model. A completely different situation arises with large reconstructions. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the current knowledge on intraoral scanner technologies and their accuracy measurements. Another aim was to evaluate devices and procedures for improving the accuracy of intraoral scans in large fixed prosthetic reconstructions. Methods: The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: “Intraoral scanner”, “CAD/CAM”, “Trueness”, “Precision”, “Optical impression”, “Custom-made measuring device”, “Guided implant scanning”, “Continuous scan strategy”. The results were limited to articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2024. Results: Thirty-seven publications met the inclusion criteria. There are very few articles describing the technology used by currently available intraoral scanners. Twenty-one publications focused on improving the accuracy of intraoral scanning using new procedures or devices. The remainder of the included articles compared the accuracy of intraoral scanners across different products or compared to traditional prosthetic procedures. Most of the older studies comparing the accuracy of intraoral scanners used distance measurements and angular errors. In more recent studies, the method of superimposing surface data obtained by 3D scanners was predominant. Only one study employed the pyramid replacement method with Procrustean analysis. Conclusion: Articles addressing the principles of intraoral scanners are scarce and rarely found in dental journals. An analysis of the available literature shows that there are multiple options to improve the accuracy of intraoral scanning. These strategies primarily involve optimizing the scanning path and incorporating additional devices to avoid merging errors in the prosthetic workflow. Extraoral scanners and the use of prosthetic lab scanners are especially promising. Reducing the merging error of intraoral scans using different devices probably does not have the potential to ensure the required accuracy.

• MeSH
• Technology, Dental methods   MeSH
• Computer-Aided Design instrumentation   MeSH
• Radiography, Dental, Digital * methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Systematic Reviews as Topic MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Dental Prosthesis Design MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH

Moderní technologie nacházejí stále větší využití i v medicíně a zkracuje se čas, za který se etablují jako její plnohodnotné součásti. Je to vidět právě na 3D tisku, kdy za poměrně krátkou dobu od přihlášení patentu je již nedílnou komponentou celé řady lékařských oborů, včetně ORL, maxilofaciální a plastické chirurgie. Jejímu rozšíření výrazně napomáhá pokles pořizovacích nákladů tiskáren a používaných materiálů, včetně dostupnosti software. Další výhodou je zvyšující se počet absolventů oboru biomedicínský inženýr, kteří pomáhají lékařům s vlastní přípravou modelů a následně s jejich tiskem. Dne 17. 6. 2023 přijala Česká lékařská společnost J. E. Purkyně nově vzniklou „Českou společnost pro 3D tisk v medicíně“ jako svou organizační složku. Jejím cílem je napomáhat rozvoji 3D tisku v medicíně, nastavit standardy využití a garantovat jejich dodržování. Přehledový článek uvádí praktické příklady využití 3D tisku v otorinolaryngologii, maxilofaciální a plastické chirurgii.

Modern technologies are increasingly finding their place in medicine, rapidly establishing as invaluable assets. This is evident in 3D printing, which in a relatively short time, has become an integral part of numerous medical fields including ENT, Maxillofacial and Plastic surgery. Its expansion is substantially facilitated by the decrease in the acquisition costs of printers and used materials, including software availability. Another advantage is the increasing number of graduated biomedical engineers who assist doctors in preparing and printing their models. On June 17, 2023, the Czech Medical Society of J. E. Purkyně accepted the newly established „Czech Society for 3D Printing in Medicine“ as its organizational component. Its objective is to help the development of 3D printing in medicine, and to set standards of use and adherence. This article presents practical examples of the use of 3D printing in Otorhinolaryngology, Maxillofacial and Plastic surgery.

• MeSH
• Printing, Three-Dimensional * classification   MeSH
• Head * surgery   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Neck * surgery   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Orthognathic Surgical Procedures classification   methods   MeSH
• Plastic Surgery Procedures classification   methods   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional classification   methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to design a method of myocardial T1 quantification in small laboratory animals and to investigate the effects of spatiotemporal regularization and the needed acquisition duration. METHODS: We propose a compressed-sensing approach to T1 quantification based on self-gated inversion-recovery radial two/three-dimensional (2D/3D) golden-angle stack-of-stars acquisition with image reconstruction performed using total-variation spatiotemporal regularization. The method was tested on a phantom and on a healthy rat, as well as on rats in a small myocardium-remodeling study. RESULTS: The results showed a good match of the T1 estimates with the results obtained using the ground-truth method on a phantom and with the literature values for rats myocardium. The proposed 2D and 3D methods showed significant differences between normal and remodeling myocardium groups for acquisition lengths down to approximately 5 and 15 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A new 2D and 3D method for quantification of myocardial T1 in rats was proposed. We have shown the capability of both techniques to distinguish between normal and remodeling myocardial tissue. We have shown the effects of image-reconstruction regularization weights and acquisition length on the T1 estimates.

• MeSH
• Phantoms, Imaging MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Myocardium * MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional * methods   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mandible MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Orthodontics * methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Orthodontic Brackets statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Body Weights and Measures methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Virtual Reality MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional classification   methods   instrumentation   MeSH
• Dental Arch * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Clinical Study MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH

AIM: To utilize three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometry for visualization of the level of facial asymmetry in patients with the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional facial scans of 25 Czech patients with OAVS were processed. The patients were divided into subgroups according to Pruzansky classification. For 13 of them, second 3D facial scans were obtained. The 3D facial scans were processed using geometric morphometry. Soft tissue facial asymmetry in the sagittal plane and its changes in two time spots were visualized using colour-coded maps with a thermometre-like scale. RESULTS: Individual facial asymmetry was visualized in all patients as well as the mean facial asymmetry for every Pruzansky subgroup. The mean colour-coded maps of type I and type IIA subgroups showed no differences in facial asymmetry, more pronounced asymmetry in the middle and the lower facial third was found between type IIA and type IIB (maximum 1.5 mm) and between type IIB and type III (maximum 2 mm). The degree of intensity facial asymmetry in affected middle and lower facial thirds did not change distinctly during the two time spots in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D geometric morphometry in OAVS patients could be a useful tool for objective facial asymmetry assessment in patients with OAVS. The calculated colour-coded maps are illustrative and useful for clinical evaluation.

• MeSH
• Facial Asymmetry * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Goldenhar Syndrome * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Cephalometry methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Face anatomy & histology   diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional * methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained popularity across various domains but remains less integrated into medical surgery due to its complexity. Existing literature primarily discusses specific applications, with limited detailed guidance on the entire process. The methodological details of converting Computed Tomography (CT) images into 3D models are often found in amateur 3D printing forums rather than scientific literature. To address this gap, we present a comprehensive methodology for converting CT images of bone fractures into 3D-printed models. This involves transferring files in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format to stereolithography format, processing the 3D model, and preparing it for printing. Our methodology outlines step-by-step guidelines, time estimates, and software recommendations, prioritizing free open-source tools. We also share our practical experience and outcomes, including the successful creation of 72 models for surgical planning, patient education, and teaching. Although there are challenges associated with utilizing 3D printing in surgery, such as the requirement for specialized expertise and equipment, the advantages in surgical planning, patient education, and improved outcomes are evident. Further studies are warranted to refine and standardize these methodologies for broader adoption in medical practice.

• MeSH
• Printing, Three-Dimensional * MeSH
• Models, Anatomic MeSH
• Fractures, Bone * diagnostic imaging   surgery   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed * methods   MeSH
• Radiology Information Systems organization & administration   MeSH
• Traumatology MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH