Comparative osteology of the skull of cowbirds (Icteridae: Molothrus).

Detailed osteological descriptions of the craniomandibular complex of passerine birds are lacking for most species, limiting our understanding of their diversity and evolution. Cowbirds (genus Molothrus) are a small but widespread group of New World nine-primaried songbirds, well-known for their unique brooding parasitic behavior. However, detailed osteological data for cowbirds and other Icteridae are currently scarce and several features of their skulls remain undescribed or poorly known. To address this issue, a detailed comparative osteology of cowbird skulls is presented here for the first time based on data from x-ray microcomputed tomography, dry skeletal data, and multivariate analyses of linear morphometric data. Cowbird skulls offer some functional insights, with many finch-like features probably related to a seed-rich diet that distinguishes them from most other icterids. In addition, features previously overlooked in earlier studies might provide valuable phylogenetic information at different levels of passerine phylogeny (Passerida, Emberizoidea, Icteridae, and Agelaiinae), including some of the otic region and nasal septum. Comparisons among cowbirds show that there is substantial cranial variation within the genus, with M. oryzivorus being the most divergent cowbird species. Within the genus, distantly related species share similar overall skull morphology and proportions, but detailed osteological data allow species identification even in cases of strong convergence. Further efforts are warranted to furnish baseline data for future studies of this iconic group of Neotropical birds and to fully integrate it into phylogenetic comparative frameworks.

Differential diagnosis for two 'holes in the head' of a child from 982 to 904 BP in northern South America.

OBJECTIVE: To present paleopathological evidence of a congenital anomaly with photographic support and a review that will help scholars to diagnose the condition. MATERIALS: Well-preserved skeletal remains of a child from central Colombia, dated 968-1046 CE. METHODS: Macroscopic examination and computerized axial tomography. RESULTS: Two holes were observed in the skull. CONCLUSIONS: The pathology is consistent with a neural tube defect or an inclusion cyst. SIGNIFICANCE: Neural tube defects and inclusion cysts, in paleopathology, are rarely reported in children. The preservation and origin of the individual make this case valuable. The photographic support and the review is useful for other scholars in the field. LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to determine a single cause. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH: Review cases in identified osteological collections.

Anatomical features of sella turcica with comprehensive literature review

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between skeletal patterns and the frequency of sella turcica bridging in a sample of young Turkish adults in order to provide a better understanding of the relationship between craniofacial morphology and sella turcica abnormalities. METHODS: A total of 90 individuals aged between 18 and 25 years were examined in this study. The individuals were classified according to their skeletal pattern, specifically Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each group consisted of 15 males and 15 females. The length, depth, and anteroposterior diameter of sella turcica were calculated. The shape and bridging of sella turcica were estimated using lateral cephalometric images. All data were correlated and statistically analyzed according to skeletal patterns, genders, and age. RESULTS: The mean length, depth, and anteroposterior diameter of sella turcica were 7.02±2.13, 7.56±1.38, and 10.54±1.3 mm in Classes I-III, respectively. There was no significant difference between the dimensions of sella turcica according to gender and age (p˃0.05). The length of sella turcica was larger in Class III, and the depth of sella turcica was larger in Class II individuals (p<0.05). A total of 44.4% of the individuals had normal sella turcica, while the remaining 56.6% had other types of sella turcica. It was determined that 31.1% of the individuals have no calcification, 62.2% had partial calcification, and 6.7% had total calcification. CONCLUSION: The normal dimensions, shape, and bridging of the sella turcica can be used by the orthodontist for diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation of various pathological conditions associated with the sella turcica.

Skull anatomy of the endangered Patagonian huemul deer(Hippocamelus bisulcus).

Studies of the normal skull anatomy of the Patagonian Huemul deer are scarce. Currently, the findings of bone lesions in the skull associated with metabolic imbalances are frequent in the literature. The objective of this study was to provide anatomical and morphometric data of the cranium and facies including a morphofunctional interpretation as a reference for clinical, ecomorphological and educational purposes. Five skulls were described, measured, scanned and digitally reconstructed. The presence of a caudal projection of the vomer bone, the absence of the facial tubercle and thin bones forming the cranial cavity were observed. Linear measurements allowed the skull to be classified as dolichocephalic, hyperlepten and ultra-dolichocranial. In conclusion, the Patagonian Huemul has a long head, an extremely long skull and a very narrow face. The thickness of the bones that made up the walls of the cranial cavity suggests chronic metabolic imbalances in response to mineral deficiency. The anatomical and morphometric data obtained in this study strongly emphasizes the relevance of considering the implementation of such management policies that aim at promoting an optimal nutritional context.

Skull of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) - morphometric parameters

Background: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are territorial animals,and live in social groups, commonly occurring in anthropized area, what has attracted the attention of researchers in relation to this animal species, since it is the host of the Amblyomma cajennese tick that transmits spotted-fever to humansand are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. The skull is a part of the axial skeleton that enclosingthe brain, sensory organs and digestive and respiratory structures. Moreover, the phenotypic appearance of the capybarahead depends on the shape of the skull. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras. The knowledge of morphometric parameters of skull is pivotal for veterinary treatment of pathologicalconditions and taxonomic affiliation.Materials, Methods & Results: Eight capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) skulls were used in this study, irrespectiveof age and sex. The skulls belonging to the anatomical collection of the Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy and AnatomicalMuseum, Department of Anatomy, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo.A total of 35 morphometric parameters were performed using a digital caliper and 6 cranial indices were calculated. Allinvestigated features were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Anatomically, capybara skull were elongated, rectanglelike and consisted of cranial and facial bones. The morphometric parameters were used to calculate the following craniometrics indices: skull index (57.86 ± 3.62), cranial index (50.49 ± 2.08), facial index (49.22 ± 3.82), basal index (33.98 ±0.86), nasal index (26.73 ± 3.1), and the foramen magnum index (149.61 ± 1.07). Moreover, the facial part length (mean137.90 mm) and cranium part length (mean 87.76 mm) also were calculated. The facial part...(AU)

Skull osteology of the holotype of the rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis (Sill, 1970) from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina.

Rhynchosaurs are bulky quadrupedal herbivores that achieved a cosmopolitan distribution during the Middle and Late Triassic. Rhynchosaurids are characterized by a pair of premaxillae modified into an edentulous beak that had a bone-to-bone occlusion with the tips of the dentaries, and a specialized masticatory apparatus composed of groove(s) on the maxilla and ridges(s) on the dentary. The Argentinian fossil record of rhynchosaurs is abundant, but only two nominal species have been named so far. One of them, the hyperodapedontine Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis, is the most abundant tetrapod of the Ischigualasto Formation of northwestern Argentina. However, the anatomy of H. sanjuanensis remains poorly studied. The repreparation and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of its holotypic skull (MACN-Pv 18185) allowed a detailed description of its anatomy. Among the novel anatomical data presented here, we provide the first tridimensional complete reconstruction of a rhynchosaurid palate. This structure is extremely complex in comparison to the plesiomorphic archosauromorph condition, and more data on other rhynchosaurid palates are needed to shed light on the sequence of character states acquisition that resulted in this peculiar anatomy. The presence of a pair of septomaxillae in H. sanjuanensis is the first report of these bones in a rhynchosaurid, and this new information allowed to identify septomaxillae also in the hyperodapedontines Teyumbaita sulcognathus and Hyperodapedon mariensis. The better understanding of the skull anatomy of the holotype of H. sanjuanensis is a first step towards an improved knowledge of the morphology and taxonomy of the South American rhynchosaurs.

Internal acoustic opening: different osseous landmarks and their clinical implications / Poro acústico interno: diferentes hitos óseos y sus implicaciones clínicas

SUMMARY: Internal acoustic opening is a space that opens to facies posterior of the petrous piece of temporal bone that goes inside facial nerve, vestibulocochlear nerve, intermedial nevre and labyrinthine artery. The purpose of this study is the assessment of internal acoustic opening from a morphometric perspective, determination of the shape of the hole and determination of the distance to some important anatomic formations. This study is conducted on 166 temporal bones with unknown sex formation which are part of the skull collection in NEU and KTO Karatay University, Anatomy Department. In this study, the vertical and diameter of internal acoustic meatus, its distance to the bottom and top sides of posterior surface of the petrous part, its distance to groove for superior sagittal sinus and its distance to apex were measured. Moreover, in this study internal acoustic opening spaces are categorized into six groups as round, oval, U-shaped, fissure, irregular and V shape. Digital caliper was used for internal acoustic meatus measurements. While the vertical horizontal diameters and distance to groove for superior sagittal sinus of internal acoustic opening on the right side are 4.12 mm, 6.83 mm and 19.64mm respectively, they are 4.56 mm, 7.10 mm and 21.06 mm on the left side respectively. We have observed in this study, 37.3 % of the internal acoustic opening as round, 34.3 % as oval, 6.6 % as U-shaped, 6.6 % as fissure, 12.7 % as irregular and 2.4 % as V-shaped. We believe that these measurements can provide guidance and help in surgical procedures.

RESUMEN: El poro acústico interno es un espacio que se abre en la cara posterior de la parte petrosa del hueso temporal, donde entran los nervios facial, intermedio y vestibulococlear, además de la arteria laberíntica. El propósito de este estudio fue la evaluación del poro acústico interno desde una perspectiva morfométrica, determinación de la forma del foramen y de la distancia a algunas formaciones anatómicas importantes. Este estudio se realizó en 166 huesos temporales de individuos de sexo desconocido que forman parte de la colección de cráneos del Departamento de Anatomía en NEU y KTO, Universidad de Karatay, Se midió la altura vertical y el diámetro del poro acústico interno, su distancia a los lados inferior y superior de la superficie posterior de la parte petrosa, su distancia al surco del seno sagital superior y su distancia al vértice. Además, el poro acústico interno se clasificó en seis grupos: redondos, ovalados, en forma de U, de fisura, irregulares y en forma de V. Se utilizó un calibrador digital para las mediciones del meato acústico interno. Mientras que los diámetros horizontales, verticales y la distancia al surco para el seno sagital superior del poro acústico interno en el lado derecho fue de 4,12 mm, 6,83 mm y 19,64 mm respectivamente, en el lado izquiedo fue de 4,56 mm, 7,10 mm y 21,06 mm, respectivamente. Hemos observado que en el 37,3 % de los casos el poro acústico interno era redondo, el 34,3 % ovalado, el 6,6 % en forma de U, el 6,6 % de fisura, el 12,7 % irregular y el 2,4 % en forma de V. Estas medidas pueden servir de guía y ayuda en los procedimientos quirúrgicos.

Skull of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) - morphometric parameters

Background: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. They are territorial animals,and live in social groups, commonly occurring in anthropized area, what has attracted the attention of researchers in relation to this animal species, since it is the host of the Amblyomma cajennese tick that transmits spotted-fever to humansand are responsible for severe impact on livestock and public health. The skull is a part of the axial skeleton that enclosingthe brain, sensory organs and digestive and respiratory structures. Moreover, the phenotypic appearance of the capybarahead depends on the shape of the skull. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the reference values of cranial measurements of capybaras. The knowledge of morphometric parameters of skull is pivotal for veterinary treatment of pathologicalconditions and taxonomic affiliation.Materials, Methods & Results: Eight capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) skulls were used in this study, irrespectiveof age and sex. The skulls belonging to the anatomical collection of the Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy and AnatomicalMuseum, Department of Anatomy, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo.A total of 35 morphometric parameters were performed using a digital caliper and 6 cranial indices were calculated. Allinvestigated features were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Anatomically, capybara skull were elongated, rectanglelike and consisted of cranial and facial bones. The morphometric parameters were used to calculate the following craniometrics indices: skull index (57.86 ± 3.62), cranial index (50.49 ± 2.08), facial index (49.22 ± 3.82), basal index (33.98 ±0.86), nasal index (26.73 ± 3.1), and the foramen magnum index (149.61 ± 1.07). Moreover, the facial part length (mean137.90 mm) and cranium part length (mean 87.76 mm) also were calculated. The facial part...

Digging into blindsnakes' morphology: Description of the skull, lower jaw, and cervical vertebrae of two Amerotyphlops (Hedges et al., 2014) (Serpentes, Typhlopidae) with comments on the typhlopoidean skull morphological diversity.

Scolecophidians are small fossorial snakes that exhibit several osteological innovations, most of which driven by their extreme body miniaturization. Considering that data on skull morphology has proven to be relevant in terms of scolecophidian systematics and morphofunctional evolution, herein, we aim to describe in detail the skull, lower jaw, and cervical vertebrae of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus and A. reticulatus. Our results suggest that the investigated osteology of Amerotyphlops resembles several new world typhlopid species, with reduced interspecific variation in the basicranium, lower jaw and cervical vertebrae. Both species exhibit characters states that are typically conserved intragenerically amongst typhlopoids, such as the presence of a single parietal, paired supraoccipitals, and otooccipitals that are in contact medially, and the basioccipital participating in the formation of the foramen magnum. We discuss possible systematically important osteological skull variations among typhlopoids and provide a comprehensive comparison of these taxa based on literature and data gathered herein.

Organ histopathological associations with hyperostosis frontalis interna in humans / Asociaciones histopatológicas de órganos con hiperostosis frontal interna en humanos

SUMMARY: An increased thickening of the frontal bone by irregular laminar additions on the inner surface just deep to the dura mater have been known in the archaeological and medical record as hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI). The distribution of this is idiosyncratically restricted to the frontal and has no known etiology. The prevalence among post-menopausal females and rarity in males suggests that it is hormonally driven. Here we report histopathological findings of particularly hormonally active organs (pituitaries, gonads and liver) from a geriatric cadaveric sample in which HFI is assessed. HFI was present in 50 % of males (7/14) and 95 % (21/22) of females. All males with HFI had testicular atrophy or had testes absent. Males with HFI category C or D had moderate to severe testicular atrophy. Decreased numbers of interstitial cells (Leydig cells) were present in 83.3 % of males with HFI. All but one female (21/22) from this study exhibited evidence of HFI, and ovarian pathologies were unevenly distributed (fibromas in two) and most exhibited signs of being healthy and post-menopausal. Liver pathologies had opposite patterns between the sexes, with more liver pathologies occurring among males without HFI (particularly passive congestion and bile stasis). The only exceptions were that the one case of liver neoplasia was found in a male with HFI and steotosis was found in two cases with HFI and one case without HFI. In females all cases of liver pathologies (steotosis, hepatitis, passive congestion, fibrosis, and bile stasis) were associated with HFI. It appears that gonadal pathology is most closely associated with HFI in males but not females, suggesting that the role of estradiol in this unusual growth of bone in geriatric humans may be worth investigating further.

RESUMEN: Un aumento del engrosamiento del hueso frontal, por adiciones laminares irregulares en la superficie interna, justo en la profundidad de la duramadre, se conoce en los registros arqueológicos y médicos como hiperostosis frontal interna (HFI). La distribución de ésta, se restringe idiosincráticamente al hueso frontal y no tiene etiología conocida. La prevalencia entre las mujeres posmenopáusicas y la rareza en los hombres sugiere que se debe a las hormonas. Aquí informamos los hallazgos histopatológicos de órganos hormonalmente activos (hipófisis, gónadas e hí- gado) de una muestra de cadáveres geriátricos en la que se evaluó HFI. La HFI estuvo presente en el 50 % de los hombres (7/14) y el 95 % (21/22) de las mujeres. Todos los hombres con HFI tenían atrofia testicular o no tenían testículos. En los hombres con HFI categoría C o D se observó atrofia testicular de moderada a grave. Hubo una disminución en el número de células intersticiales (células de Leydig) en el 83,3 % de los hombres con HFI. En 21de 22 mujeres se observó evidencia de HFI, y las patologías ováricas se distribuyeron de manera desigual (fibromas en dos) y la mayoría exhibió signos de estar sana y posmenopáusica. Las patologías hepáticas tenían patrones opuestos entre los sexos, con más patologías hepáticas entre los hombres sin HFI (particularmente congestión pasiva y estasis biliar). Las excepciones fueron que el único caso de neoplasia hepática se encontró en un varón con HFI y se presentó esteatosis en dos casos con HFI y un caso sin HFI. En las mujeres, todos los casos de patologías hepáticas (esteatosis, hepatitis, congestión pasiva, fibrosis y estasis biliar) se asociaron con HFI. Al parecer la patología gonadal está más estrechamente asociada con la HFI en los hombres que en las mujeres, lo que sugiere un rol del estradiol en este crecimiento inusual de hueso en hombres de avanzada edad. Sería importante realizar investigaciones más detalladas precisas respecto a la hiperostosis frontal interna.

Orbit ossifying fibroma - Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ossifying fibroma (OF) is benign bone lesions, most frequent in young children, more common in the maxillary sinus and mandible (75-89%), the pathogenesis of the tumor is not clear, there are many subtypes of OF. This paper aims to report an OF a case and literature review. CASE DESCRIPTION: Male, 19 years old, with a progressive history proptosis since 2012, diagnosed as a right supraorbital lesion at an external service and assigned to conservative management. Then, he evolved with double vision, which worsened in February of 2018, associated with a moderate headache. On admission: proptosis and downward deviation of the right orbit was noticed on the physical exam and with exception of limited right upgaze, external ocular movements were maintained. Head computed tomography showed a multiloculate expansive osteolytic lesion at the right orbital roof. On magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion had an inner content with septations, T1-weighted imaging heterogeneous signal, T2-weighted imaging high signal intensity, and peripheral contrast enhancement. The patient underwent a right frontal craniotomy with a gross total resection and the postoperative follow-up was uneventful. Menzel reported the first case in 1782. The clinical findings depend on localization. There are five subtypes. In general, the lesions have a radiological appearance with hyperdense boundary and cause deformity and destruction in bones with high recurrence risk. Radical resection is curative. CONCLUSION: As a result, the correlation of clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data is significant while going for a specific diagnosis in cases of craniofacial fibrous lesions. Total excision is the best treatment, but it can recur.

Los tipos craneométricos caninos aparecen bien expresados a nivel de conformación del arco cigomático / Craneometric canine types are well expressed at the level of the zygomatic arch conformation

Dentro del espectro de conformación del cráneo, se reconocen generalmente tres amplias categorías que se corresponden con el concepto de biotipo cefálico, determinado por el Índice Cefálico. El Estos tres biotipos cefálicos son: el braquiocefálico, mesaticefálico y dolicocefálico, pero están basados en medidas lineales. A fin de revisar esta clasificación en base a su geometría, se estudiaron 53 cráneos de perros adultos, correspondientes a los tres grupos craneométricos descritos: 16 braquicéfalos, 20 mesaticéfalos y 17 dolicocéfalos. Para ello se obtuvieron fotografías en el plano ventral, en las que posteriormente se ubicaron 17 hitos anatómicos que se analizaron mediante técnicas de morfometría geométrica. De estos hitos, 5 correspondían a la zona neurocraneal y el resto al esplacnocráneo. Los tres grupos craneométricos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos tanto por el tamaño como por la forma. Las variables que contribuyeron más a explicar la diferenciación fueron las ubicadas en el margen más lateral de los arcos cigomáticos y en la base de este mismo arco. Las variables esplacnocraneales presentaban una alometría mucho más marcada que las neurocráneos. Puesto que el arco cigomático debe ser considerado como parte del esplacnocráneo, sugerimos que es tan importante el índice cefálico (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cabeza) como el facial (que tiene en cuenta la máxima anchura de la cara). La conformación neurocraneal sería mucho más conservativa y por ende el índice craneal, de mucho menor poder discriminatorio entre grupos. El cambio entre tipos se debería a los músculos masetero y temporal, que tienen su inserción en el arco.

Within the wide conformation of skull spectrum, there are generally three recognized broad categories that correspond to the concept of cephalic biotype, determined by the cephalic index. The three cephalic biotypes are: brachiocephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic, which are based on linear measures. In order to revise this classification based on its geometry, we studied 53 skulls of adult dogs, corresponding to the three craneometric groups previously described: 16 brachycephalic, 20 mesaticephalic and 17 dolichocephalic. Images on ventral plane were obtained and 17 anatomical landmarks were subsequently located and analyzed by means of geometric morphometric techniques. Five of those landmarks corresponded to the neurocraneal area and the rest of the splanchnocranium. The three craneometric groups showed statistically significant differences between them for both size and shape. The variables that contributed to the differentiation between them were located along the edge of the zygomatic arches and on the basis of this arch. Splanchnocranial variables also presented a much more marked allometry than the neurocraneal variables. Since the zygomatic arch should be considered as part of the splanchnocranium, we suggest that the cephalic index (which takes into account the maximum width of the head) is as important as the facial index (which takes into account the maximum width of the face). The neurocraneal index would be much more conservative, and therefore less discriminatory between the groups.

Surviving a transfixing gunshot wound to the head 70 years ago.

Surviving a gunshot wound to the head is a rare event, particularly in the past when medical treatment was much less advanced than it is today. Moreover, the finding of such a case as an identified specimen within a museum collection is even more uncommon. This led us to report on this unique case in this paper as it poses a challenge to forensic anthropology and provides a unique educational oppourtunity. The skull from the Collection at the Cranium Museum in the Department of Morphology and Genetic at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) dates back to 1946. For trauma registration the bone location, severity, trauma aetiology, trauma classification, description, callus formation, periosteal reaction, degree and success of repair, and an estimate of the time elapsed since the trauma, were all assessed. To explore the case radiologically a CT scan of the skull was performed. Considering the survival of the patient and the morphology of the wound it is likely that the injury was caused by a small calibre, low-velocity gunshot. The bullet path shows an almost vertical direction on the right side of the individual's splanchno and neurocranium. The path of the projectile is consistent with a suicide attempt, although the possibility of a homicide simulating a suicide cannot be discarded. This case highlights how informative such cases can be to the practice of forensic anthropology.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento en un caso de neurocisticercosis / Diagnosis and treatment of a neurocysticercosis case

La neurocisticercosis es una enfermedad del sistema nervioso central de origen parasitario que genera una alta morbilidad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 30 años de edad, negro, del sexo masculino, con historia de dolor de cabeza y disminución progresiva de la visión desde hace tres meses. Fue examinado en la Consulta de Oftalmología, donde se constató la pérdida visual y alteraciones campimétricas. En el fondo de ojo se observó papiledema bilateral. Le fue indicada tomografía computarizada de cráneo que mostró una gran lesión en la región frontal derecha y por lo cual fue transferido para el Servicio de Neurocirugía. Se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico y se le realizó una craneotomía frontal derecha y resección de la lesión. El diagnóstico histológico confirmó una neurocisticercosis, por lo que se decidió comenzar el tratamiento con albendazol y praziquantel. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente. Después de completar el tratamiento y pasados unos meses se le realizó la tomografía axial computarizada de control, donde se mostró una remisión total de la lesión(AU)

Neurocysticercosis is a disease of the central nervous system of parasitic origin and high morbidity. This is the case of a 30 years-old Black male patient with a history of headache and progressive reduction of vision for three months. He was examined at the Ophthalmological Service where visual loss and campometric alterations were confirmed. The fundus oculi revealed the presence of bilateral papilledema. He was performed cranial CT that showed a large lesion in the right front region, so he was transferred to the neurosurgery service. It was decided to apply surgical treatment. He was then performed a right front craniotomy and then resection of the lesion. The histological diagnosis confirmed neurocysticercosis and he was then treated with albendazol and praziquantel. His recovery was satisfactory. Upon completing the treatment and after a few months, the axial computerized tomography for control showed total remission of lesion(AU)

Diagnóstico y tratamiento en un caso de neurocisticercosis / Diagnosis and treatment of a neurocysticercosis case

La neurocisticercosis es una enfermedad del sistema nervioso central de origen parasitario que genera una alta morbilidad. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 30 años de edad, negro, del sexo masculino, con historia de dolor de cabeza y disminución progresiva de la visión desde hace tres meses. Fue examinado en la Consulta de Oftalmología, donde se constató la pérdida visual y alteraciones campimétricas. En el fondo de ojo se observó papiledema bilateral. Le fue indicada tomografía computarizada de cráneo que mostró una gran lesión en la región frontal derecha y por lo cual fue transferido para el Servicio de Neurocirugía. Se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico y se le realizó una craneotomía frontal derecha y resección de la lesión. El diagnóstico histológico confirmó una neurocisticercosis, por lo que se decidió comenzar el tratamiento con albendazol y praziquantel. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente. Después de completar el tratamiento y pasados unos meses se le realizó la tomografía axial computarizada de control, donde se mostró una remisión total de la lesión(AU)

Neurocysticercosis is a disease of the central nervous system of parasitic origin and high morbidity. This is the case of a 30 years-old Black male patient with a history of headache and progressive reduction of vision for three months. He was examined at the Ophthalmological Service where visual loss and campometric alterations were confirmed. The fundus oculi revealed the presence of bilateral papilledema. He was performed cranial CT that showed a large lesion in the right front region, so he was transferred to the neurosurgery service. It was decided to apply surgical treatment. He was then performed a right front craniotomy and then resection of the lesion. The histological diagnosis confirmed neurocysticercosis and he was then treated with albendazol and praziquantel. His recovery was satisfactory. Upon completing the treatment and after a few months, the axial computerized tomography for control showed total remission of lesion(AU)

Sexing the cranium from the foramen magnum using discriminant analysis in a brazilian sample

Abstract In the identification process, the foramen magnum has shown controversial results in sex estimation. The present study aimed to analyze the morphometric variables of the foramen magnum in Brazilian adult cranium for sex estimation. The sample was composed of 100 craniums (53 males and 47 females) from the documented collection of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Forensic Sciences. The protocol measurement was constituted of two linear measurements: maximum length of the foramen magnum and maximum breadth of the foramen magnum and two formulas to calculate the area, method one (M1) and method two (M2). Descriptive statistics showed statistically significant differences between sex (p<0.05) for all variables. The univariate discriminant functions showed an accuracy between 56.0-62.0%, and the multivariate analysis showed a percentage of accuracy between 60.0-65.0%, the greatest accuracy was found combining the two linear measurements with M1(71.7%), even after cross-validation (66%). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that M2 is the best parameter for estimating sex (AUC=0.693). A reference table for Brazilians using the foramen magnum parameters was developed based on the results of the ROC curve analysis. In conclusion, the foramen magnum should be used with caution to estimate sex in forensic cases of fragmentary craniums, due to the limited accuracy.

Resumo No processo de identificação humana, a análise do forame magno apresenta resultados controversos para estimativa do sexo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as variáveis morfométricas do forame magno em crânios adultos brasileiros para estimação sexual. A amostra foi composta por 100 crânios (53 sexos masculino e 47 sexo feminino) pertencentes a coleção osteológica documentada do Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa em Ciências Forenses. A medida do protocolo foi constituída por duas medidas lineares: comprimento máximo do forame magno e largura máxima do forame magno e duas fórmulas para calcular a área, método um (M1) e método dois (M2). As estatísticas descritivas evidenciaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p<0,05) para todas as variáveis. As funções discriminantes univariadas apresentaram uma porcentagem de acerto entre 56,0-62,0% e a análise multivariada mostrou uma porcentagem de acerto entre 60,0-65,0%. A análise da curva ROC apontou que M2 é o melhor parâmetro para estimar o sexo (AUC=0,693). Uma tabela de referência para brasileiros que utilizam os parâmetros do forame magnum foi desenvolvida com base nos resultados da análise da curva ROC. Em conclusão, o foram e magnum deve ser usado com precaução para estimar o sexo em casos forenses de cranio fragmentado, devido à precisão limitada.

Growth and cranial development in the Andean frogs of the genus Telmatobius (Anura: Telmatobiidae): Exploring the relation of heterochrony and skeletal diversity.

Andean frogs of the genus Telmatobius occur at high elevations, they have an aquatic mode of life and large tadpoles. There are more than 60 species that closely resemble one another and have low values of genetic divergence. However, the skeleton, particularly the cranium, is interspecifically variable with respect to the different levels of development of some elements. Heterochrony is considered to have played a prominent role in generating phenotypic variation, especially among closely related species. Herein, the developmental origins of the adult cranial configuration of two species of Telmatobius are explored. The interactions among larval and postmetamorphic growth, sexual maturation, and ossification sequence in T. oxycephalus and T. rubigo are studied. Although there are no substantial changes in the sequences of ossification of the cranium, it is likely that differential timing of larval periods is related to adult cranial characters. The prolonged larval development of T. rubigo may result in peramorphic configurations of bones that ossify during pre-metamorphosis. This long developmental time would also explain why the gonads of T. rubigo are highly differentiated by the end of metamorphosis. In this species, sexual maturation may be attained precociously in relation to metamorphosis, thereby reducing postmetamorphic developmental time of late-onset bones, which have paedomorphic configurations (e.g., vomer, neopalatine, and columella). An inverse pattern characterizes T. oxycephalus, suggesting that the duration of larval life is related to skeletal configuration in Telmatobius.

Cesárea electiva en gestante con fractura-hundimiento antigua en región frontal del cráneo / Pregnant With an Old Fracture-Sink in Skull Frontal Region Determines Elective Caesarean Section

Los traumatismos craneoencefálicos constituyen una epidemia silenciosa para la Organización Mundial de la Salud; y en específico, las fracturas de cráneo tienen una incidencia elevada en la sociedad moderna. El objetivo es presentar el caso de una embarazada con una fractura craneal antigua (fractura-hundimiento frontal) que condiciona la indicación de una cesárea electiva. Además, resulta una afectación anatómica poco habitual en la práctica de la Obstetricia. Se presenta una gestante de 22 años que a la edad de 4 años sufrió trauma craneoencefálico al caer accidentalmente desde un cuarto piso. Se impactó en la región frontal del cráneo con un recipiente de cerámica pesado. Quedó inconsciente y con sangrado profuso, se operó de urgencia y la paciente quedó sin secuela clínica de daño cerebral, pero con deformidad craneal por hundimiento de forma ovalada bien delimitada. Se determinó cesárea electiva por orientación del Programa Materno Infantil Nacional a las 40,5 semanas, peso del recién nacido 3 802 g y Apgar 9-9. Tuvo una evolución satisfactoria durante su atención prenatal y puerperio. La valoración y el manejo de una gestante con antecedentes de un traumatismo craneoencefálico antiguo requieren de un seguimiento multidisciplinario que involucre a obstetras, neurocirujanos, neurólogos y otros especialistas, con vistas a evitar las complicaciones que una afección como esta, pueden resultar letales para la madre o el feto(AU)

Cranium cerebral trauma constitutes a silent epidemic for the World Organization of the Health; and specifically skull fractures have risen incidence in the modern society. To present the case of a pregnant woman with an old cranial fracture (front fracture-sinking) that conditions the indication of elective caesarean operation. In addition, it is an unusual anatomical involvement in Obstetrics practice. We present the case of a 22 year-old pregnant that suffered encephalic skull trauma at the age of 4. This trauma is the result of her falling accidentally from a fourth floor to a heavy ceramic recipient and she impacted the front region of her skull. She was unconscious and bled profusely. She underwent urgent surgery. She survived without clinical sequel of cerebral damage but she has cranial sinking deformity in a well-defined oval way. Elective caesarean operation is determined by orientation from the national infantile maternal program to the 40,5 weeks, weight of the newly born 3 802 grams, Apgar 9-9. Satisfactory evolution during their prenatal attention and puerperium. Elective cesarean section is determined at 40.5 weeks, the newborn weight 3 802 g, Apgar 9-9, in alignment with the Cuban national program for the mother and the child. She had a satisfactory evolution during her prenatal and puerperal care. The assessment and management of a pregnant woman with a history of an old cranioencephalic trauma requires multidisciplinary monitoring involving obstetricians, neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists, for avoiding complications which can be lethal to the mother or the fetus(AU)

Skull shape and size variation within and between mendocinus and torquatus groups in the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) in chromosomal polymorphism context

Abstract We tested the association between chromosomal polymorphism and skull shape and size variation in two groups of the subterranean rodent Ctenomys. The hypothesis is based on the premise that chromosomal rearrangements in small populations, as it occurs in Ctenomys, produce reproductive isolation and allow the independent diversification of populations. The mendocinus group has species with low chromosomal diploid number variation (2n=46-48), while species from the torquatus group have a higher karyotype variation (2n=42-70). We analyzed the shape and size variation of skull and mandible by a geometric morphometric approach, with univariate and multivariate statistical analysis in 12 species from mendocinus and torquatus groups of the genus Ctenomys. We used 763 adult skulls in dorsal, ventral, and lateral views, and 515 mandibles in lateral view and 93 landmarks in four views. Although we expected more phenotypic variation in the torquatus than the mendocinus group, our results rejected the hypothesis of an association between chromosomal polymorphism and skull shape and size variation. Moreover, the torquatus group did not show more variation than mendocinus. Habitat heterogeneity associated to biomechanical constraints and other factors like geography, phylogeny, and demography, may affect skull morphological evolution in Ctenomys.

The evolution of phenotypic integration: How directional selection reshapes covariation in mice.

Variation is the basis for evolution, and understanding how variation can evolve is a central question in biology. In complex phenotypes, covariation plays an even more important role, as genetic associations between traits can bias and alter evolutionary change. Covariation can be shaped by complex interactions between loci, and this genetic architecture can also change during evolution. In this article, we analyzed mouse lines experimentally selected for changes in size to address the question of how multivariate covariation changes under directional selection, as well as to identify the consequences of these changes to evolution. Selected lines showed a clear restructuring of covariation in their cranium and, instead of depleting their size variation, these lines increased their magnitude of integration and the proportion of variation associated with the direction of selection. This result is compatible with recent theoretical works on the evolution of covariation that take the complexities of genetic architecture into account. This result also contradicts the traditional view of the effects of selection on available covariation and suggests a much more complex view of how populations respond to selection.