Efficient orbital structures segmentation with prior anatomical knowledge.

We present a fully automatic method for segmenting orbital structures (globes, optic nerves, and extraocular muscles) in CT images. Prior anatomical knowledge, such as shape, intensity, and spatial relationships of organs and landmarks, were utilized to define a volume of interest (VOI) that contains the desired structures. Then, VOI was used for fast localization and successful segmentation of each structure using predefined rules.

Quantitative Analysis of Transnasal Anterior Skull Base Approach: Report of Technology for Intraoperative Assessment of Instrument Motion.

Objective: To develop a method to measure intraoperative surgical instrument motion. This model will be applicable to the study of surgical instrument kinematics including surgical training, skill verification, and the development of surgical warning systems that detect aberrant instrument motion that may result in patient injury.

Design: We developed an algorithm to automate derivation of surgical instrument kinematics in an endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery model.

Face, content, and construct validation of a low-cost, non-biologic, sinus surgery task trainer and knowledge-based curriculum.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate face and content validity of a low-cost, low-technology, non-biologic endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) task trainer and knowledge-based curriculum followed by construct validation of the task trainer.

Methods: A sinus surgery task trainer and curriculum were developed. Attending otolaryngologists were surveyed regarding the utility of the task trainer and curriculum.

Calpain plays a central role in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule neurons.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-induced neurotoxicity has previously been attributed to either caspase-dependent apoptosis or caspase-independent cell death. In the current study, we found that MPP(+) induces a unique, non-apoptotic nuclear morphology coupled with a caspase-independent but calpain-dependent mechanism of cell death in primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay in CGNs exposed to MPP(+), we observed that these neurons are essentially devoid of caspase-dependent DNA fragments indicative of apoptosis.