Biomedical subjects

K Ambach

Publications and source records attributed to K Ambach.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

A 3D digital map of rat brain.

A three dimensional (3D) computerized map of rat brain anatomy created with digital imaging techniques is described. Six male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 270-320 g, were used in the generation of this atlas. Their heads were frozen, and closely spaced cryosectional images were digitally captured. Each serial data set was organized into a digital volume, reoriented into a flat skull position, and brought into register with each other. A volume representative of the group following registration was chosen based on its anatomic correspondence with the other specimens as measured by image correlation coefficients and landmark matching. Mean positions of lambda, bregma, and the interaural plane of the group within the common coordinate system were used to transform the representative volume into a 3D map of rat neuroanatomy. images reconstructed from this 3D map are available to the public via Internet with an anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) and World Wide Web. A complete description of the digital map is provided in a comprehensive set of sagittal planes (up to 0.031 mm spacing) containing stereotaxic reference grids. Sets of coronal and horizontal planes, resampled at the same increment, also are included. Specific anatomic features are identified in a second collection of images. Stylized anatomic boundaries and structural labels were incorporated into selected orthogonal planes. Electronic sharing and interactive use are benefits afforded by a digital format, but the foremost advantage of this 3D map is its whole brain integrated representation of rat in situ neuroanatomy.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Postmortem anatomy from cryosectioned whole human brain.

A system of histologic and digital processing protocols are presented for the acquisition of high-resolution digital imagery from postmortem cryosectioned whole human brain and head for computer-based 3-dimensional (3D) representation and visualization. We designed and evaluated several protocols for optimal preparation of frozen specimens including fixation, decalcification, cryoprotection, freezing and sectioning procedures. High-resolution (1024(2) pixel) serial images were captured directly from the cryoplaned blockface using an integrated color digital camera and fiber optic illumination system mounted over a modified cryomacrotome. Specimens frozen and sectioned with the cranium intact preserved brain spatial relationships and anatomic bony landmarks. Color preservation was superior in unfixed tissue heads were incompatible with decalcification and cryoprotection procedures and section collection from such specimens was complicated by bone fragmentation. Collection of 1024(2) images from whole brain resulted in a spatial resolution of 200 microns/pixel in a 1-3 Gbyte data space. Even higher 3D spatial resolution was possible by primary image capture of selected regions such as hippocampus or brain stem. Discrete registration errors were corrected using image processing strategies such as cross-correlative and other algorithmic approaches. Data sets were amenable to resampling in multiple planes as well as scaling and transpositioning into standard coordinate systems. These methods enable quantitative measurements for comparison between subjects and to published atlas data. These techniques allow visualization and measurement at resolutions far higher than those available through other imaging technologies and provide greatly enhanced contrast for delineation of neuroanatomic structures, pathways, and subregions.

Brain↗

PubMed1994

Muscle function at the wrist following 9 d of immobilization and suspension.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 9 d of immobilization and partial suspension on muscle function at the wrist. Twelve female subjects (19-27 yr) wore a cast suspended from the neck by a sling that immobilized muscles acting on the wrist. Atrophy, muscle damage indicators, isometric and isokinetic strength, reaction time, speed of movement, and fatigability were assessed. Forearm muscle cross-sectional area decreased by 4.1% following immobilization and suspension. There was no indication that significant muscle degeneration occurred during immobilization or when muscles resumed normal function. Isometric strength for flexion and extension decreased by 29.3 and 32.5%, respectively. Concentric strength decrements for flexion, extension, pronation, and supination ranged from 8.9-21.7% at 2.11 and 3.16 rad.s-1. Eccentric strength decrements at 2.11 rad.s-1 for the same movements ranged from 12.5-18.5%. Fatigability was unaffected. Greater relative strength losses compared to decreased muscle cross-sectional area may be the result of a decrease in contractile protein density or unidentified neural factors following immobilization and partial suspension. However, neuromuscular control of reaction time was not affected.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Postmortem cryosectioning as an anatomic reference for human brain mapping.

This study examined the densitometric and topographic detail of high resolution 3D digital postmortem cryosectioned brain images. Anatomic image data and histology from cryosectioned human brain were compared to in vivo MRI for the ability to delineate neuroanatomic structure. 3D surface reconstructions in the Talairach and Tournoux atlas ("Co-planar stereotaxic atlas of the human brain", Thieme, New York, 1988) coordinate system enabled morphometric comparisons for a representative sample of neuroanatomic structures. Spatial resolution of cryosection images averaged 200 and 170 microns/pixel for whole head and brain, respectively, and 40 microns/pixel for isolated the brain regions. Anatomic detail was far superior to MRI, particularly in deep subcortical regions such as the basal ganglia and in mesencephalic nuclei and tracts. Digital repositioning in the Talairach coordinate system enabled efficient structure localization and morphometric comparison. Histology from collected tissue sections provided cytologic detail that could be mapped to its approximate 3D context. This approach permits comprehensive morphometric analyses necessary for an anatomic framework to a digital atlas of the human brain.

Aged↗