Month: November 2015

New Publication: DiceCT and Histology for Peripheral Nerve Repair

H&E stained section (top left) matched to the corresponding axial μCT image (bottom left) and a section stained with anti-NF (to right) matched to the axial μCT image (bottom). Asterisks label nerve conduits. The long arrow in points to a group of anti-NF stained axons and short arrows point to a small pocket of fat (left) and a large blood vessel (right). Scale bars = 0.5 mm
H&E stained section (top left) matched to the corresponding axial μCT image (bottom left) and a section stained with anti-NF (top right) matched to the axial μCT image (bottom right). Asterisks label nerve conduits. The long arrow points to a group of anti-NF stained axons, and short arrows point to a small pocket of fat (left) and a large blood vessel (right). Scale bars = 0.5 mm.

“In pre-clinical studies, biomaterial implants with densities similar to tissues cannot be imaged via standard μCT after removal from the animal. These ex vivo implants then present investigative challenges with histological analyses because of implant size, and critical information can be lost. We used iodine-based contrast-enhanced μCT imaging to visualize polymeric biomaterial nerve guides used to repair injury gaps in rodent peripheral nerves, followed by rapid removal of the iodine, and showed that these treatments did not interfere with histological or immunohistological analyses. This increases the information that can be obtained from one set of animals, allows novel comparisons and thus could help researchers studying any soft tissue or tissue-density biomaterial implant.”

–Author Sarah Pixley  @

Head over to the Journal of Neuroscience Methods to read the pub!

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New Publication: A New Dimension in Documenting New Species

3-D virtual dissection of the holotype depicting the gonopods in situ. (A) Oblique transverse cut at body ring 10, showing attached musculature; (B) Parasagittal cut showing musculature and other anatomical structures
3-D virtual dissection of the holotype depicting the gonopods in situ. (A) Oblique transverse cut showing attached musculature; (B) Parasagittal cut showing musculature and other anatomical structures

“Traditionally, taxonomic descriptions have relied on drawings and photographs to record morphological information that distinguishes different species. Modern 3-D imaging technology and particularly X-ray microtomography provides not only a third dimension to the pictures, but also the means for sharing the information widely. We have thought of creating a cybertype-enhanced description of a new millipede from Spain, dubbed Ommatoiulus avatar in recognition of its digital alter ego. This is the first new species to be described with the aid of detailed 3-D images of the actual type specimens and to be published with its cybertypes as an open-access resource.“

–Lead author Nesrine Akkari

Head over to PLOS One to read the pub!

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Welcome to the online home of Diffusible Iodine-based Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography.

Our mission is to provide digital resources for the diceCT community and to connect interested researchers with contrast-enhanced imaging veterans. Watch this space and @diceCT for updates on new publications, tips & tricks, and diceCT-related events.

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The Austin Working Group | 2015 SVP Workshop | 2016 ICVM Symposium | Pubs

Crotalus_atrox_frontal
Computed tomography section through the head of a western diamondback rattlesnake in frontal view, prepared using contrast enhancement. Soft tissues including epithelia, glands, cranial muscles, and myelinated as well as non-myelinated nervous tissues can be readily visualized alongside bony structures using diceCT techniques. (Thanks to Dr. Arshad Khan & The University of Texas, El Paso for securing this specimen.)
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