Three-dimensional reconstruction of histological sections using modern product-design software

Abstract

Background: Computer-based, three-dimensional reconstruction of histological sections is necessary for solving a diversity of questions in morphology and anatomy. Programming software for this purpose is difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, we tested if commercially available product-design software is useful for reconstructing anatomical virtual models. Methods: We used Alias 0 Wavefront Studio software on a Silicon Graphics workstation. Sections were projected with a newly developed micro-slide projector on a digitizing board and digitized interactively. Alternatively , pictures of sections were digitized on screen. The resulting set of contours was used as scaffold around which a surface was created manually. Results: Repeated creation of the same object and subsequent measurements gave results that will be sufficiently reliable for many purposes. The visual presentation of objects satisfy highest demands. Little time is needed to reconstruct simple objects, and the time used for complex virtual models is acceptable. Manipulation of objects on screen is nearly in real time and rendering speed is high. Conclusions: Product-design software packages are a readily available and useful option for anatomists who want to do virtual reconstructions quickly without programming software themselves. Anat.

Single-walled carbon nanotube-induced mitotic disruption

“…The morphology of the mitotic spindle and centrosome, and the relationship with carbon nanoropes, was analyzed in the BEAS-2B cells using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSM 510, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Inc., Thornwood, NY) as previously described [25]. To determine the association of the carbon nanoropes with the microtubules of the mitotic spindle and the centrosome, serial optical slices were obtained to create a zstack and permit three-dimensional reconstruction using LightWave software [42]. At least 50 cells per chamber and a total of 300 cells of good centrosome and 300 cells of good mitotic spindle morphology were analyzed for each treatment dose for BEAS-2B.…”

Software system for three‐dimensional volumetric reconstruction of histological sections: A case study for the snake chondrocranium

“…Manual alignment of the digitized sections was also done in Haas and Fischer (1997). We used Corel's Photopaint for the alignment task, but any other image processing software such as Photoshop or GIMP has similar tools for this task.…”

“…Contrary to commercial systems, our results-the software system-are available for the research community for free and represent a valuable model for collaboration among biologists and computer scientists. Haas and Fischer (1997) used, for instance, the product-design package Alias Wavefront software on the Silicon Graphics platform for three-dimensional reconstruction of larval specimens of neotropical frog Flectonotus goeldii. Although their results show the viability of using commercial systems, our solution is available for free for the research community, with similar features.…”

Histology in 3D: development of an online interactive student resource on epithelium

“…There are many systems available to reconstruct tissues from histological sections for research purposes and in clinical practice (Capuco, Ellis, Wood, Akers, & Garrett, 2002;Fiala, 2005;Haas & Fischer, 1997;Streicher, Weninger, & M€ uller, 1997;Streicher et al, 2000). One of the few examples of 3D histology models for educational purposes is the virtual 3D model of the renal corpuscle by Roth, Wilson and Sandig (2015).…”