Automated age-at-death estimation from 3D surface scans of the facies auricularis of the pelvic bone.

This work presents an automated data-mining model for age-at-death estimation based on 3D scans of the auricular surface of the pelvic bone. The study is based on a multi-population sample of 688 individuals (males and females) originating from one Asian and five European identified osteological collections. Our method requires no expert knowledge and achieves similar accuracy compared to traditional subjective methods. Apart from data acquisition, the whole procedure of pre-processing, feature extraction and age estimation is fully automated and implemented as a computer program. This program is a part of a freely available web-based software tool called CoxAGE3D. This software tool is available at https://coxage3d.fit.cvut.cz/ Our age-at-death estimation method is suitable for use on individuals with known/unknown population affinity and provides moderate correlation between the estimated age and actual age (Pearson's correlation coefficient is 0.56), and a mean absolute error of 12.4 years.

Architecture of head and neck soft tissues and associated entheses: An exploration of sexual dimorphism in, and population differences between, New Zealand and Thai individuals.

Understanding the musculoskeletal anatomy of soft tissues of the head and neck is important for surgical applications, biomechanical modelling and management of injuries, such as whiplash. Additionally, analysing sex and population differences in cervical anatomy can inform how biological sex and population variation may impact these anatomical applications. Although some muscles of the head and neck are well-studied, there is limited architectural information that also analyses sex and population variation, for many small cervical soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and associated entheses (soft tissue attachment sites). Therefore, the aim of this study was to present architectural data (e.g., proximal and distal attachment sites, muscle physiological cross-sectional area, ligament mass, enthesis area) and analyse sex and population differences in soft tissues and entheses associated with sexually dimorphic landmarks on the cranium (nuchal crest and mastoid process) and clavicle (rhomboid fossa). Through the dissection and three-dimensional analysis of 20 donated cadavers from New Zealand (five males, five females; mean age 83 ± 8 years; range 67-93 years) and Thailand (five males, five females; 69 ± 13 years; range 44-87 years), the following soft tissues and their associated entheses were analysed: upper trapezius, semispinalis capitis and the nuchal ligament (nuchal crest); sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis and longissimus capitis (mastoid process); the clavicular head of pectoralis major, subclavius, sternohyoid and the costoclavicular (rhomboid) ligament (rhomboid fossa). Findings indicate that although muscle, ligament and enthesis sizes were generally similar to previously published data, muscle size was smaller for six of the eight muscles in this study, with only the upper trapezius and subclavius demonstrating similar values to previous studies. Proximal and distal attachment sites were largely consistent with the current research. However, some individuals (six of 20) had proximal upper trapezius attachments on the cranium, with most attaching solely to the nuchal ligament, contrasting with existing literature, which often describes attachment to the occipital bone. With respect to sexual dimorphism, the Thai sample exhibited more sex differences in muscle size than the New Zealand sample, but for enthesis size (area), both samples had the same amount of statistically significant sex differences (5 of 10). Additionally, some significant population differences were found when comparing muscle and enthesis size data between the New Zealand and Thai samples. Despite these findings, no sex or population differences were found for ligament size (mass) in either group. This paper presents new architectural data for several understudied areas of the head and neck, as well as providing analyses on sex and population differences, two areas that have limited representation in anatomy.

The computational age-at-death estimation from 3D surface models of the adult pubic symphysis using data mining methods.

Age-at-death estimation of adult skeletal remains is a key part of biological profile estimation, yet it remains problematic for several reasons. One of them may be the subjective nature of the evaluation of age-related changes, or the fact that the human eye is unable to detect all the relevant surface changes. We have several aims: (1) to validate already existing computer models for age estimation; (2) to propose our own expert system based on computational approaches to eliminate the factor of subjectivity and to use the full potential of surface changes on an articulation area; and (3) to determine what age range the pubic symphysis is useful for age estimation. A sample of 483 3D representations of the pubic symphyseal surfaces from the ossa coxae of adult individuals coming from four European (two from Portugal, one from Switzerland and Greece) and one Asian (Thailand) identified skeletal collections was used. A validation of published algorithms showed very high error in our dataset-the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) ranged from 16.2 and 25.1 years. Two completely new approaches were proposed in this paper: SASS (Simple Automated Symphyseal Surface-based) and AANNESS (Advanced Automated Neural Network-grounded Extended Symphyseal Surface-based), whose MAE values are 11.7 and 10.6 years, respectively. Lastly, it was demonstrated that our models could estimate the age-at-death using the pubic symphysis over the entire adult age range. The proposed models offer objective age estimates with low estimation error (compared to traditional visual methods) and are able to estimate age using the pubic symphysis across the entire adult age range.

Clinical anatomy through gamification: a learning journey.

AIM: This study describes the developmental process of a series of anatomy games for medical students and analyses student participation and experiences around the gamification process. METHODS: Three diverse anatomy games were developed on the undergraduate medical curriculum. Based on students' playing and simultaneous learning experiences in each game, subsequent game contents were constructively modified. Students from three different universities participated in the study (total cohort=646); their experiences on the different games were documented and compared with each other. RESULTS: Feedback from 219 players showed that the games were fun (95%) and interesting (81%) and assisted their anatomy learning (97%); students' fun, interest and learning improved significantly in the two subsequent games (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Carefully designed anatomy games create a fun-filled and interesting learning environment for undergraduate medical students. Learning experiences improved when students' feedback was appropriately addressed to constructively modify the subsequent learning resources.

Filum Terminale Arteriovenous Fistula with Additional Arterial Supply by the Posterior Spinal Artery: A Report of Two Cases.

Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas (FTAVFs) are rare and usually supplied by the artery of the filum terminale, distal termination of the anterior spinal artery (ASA). These fistulas may also supply from the lateral sacral artery (LSA) arising from the internal iliac artery and/or middle sacral artery. Additional supply by the posterior spinal artery (PSA) has never been mentioned before. The authors describe two middle-aged men harboring FTAVFs manifested with progressive myelopathy and bowel/bladder dysfunction. The first fistula was supplied by the ASA with additional supply by the dilated PSA connecting with the ASA. Another fistula was supplied by the LSA and the PSA communicating with the ASA. The first case was successfully treated by endovascular treatment with N-butyl cyanoacrylate through the enlarged PSA, whereas the second case was surgically treated by direct obliteration of the fistula. Both patients had good neurological outcome.

The importance of human osteological collections: Our past, present, and future.

The thesis of this brief exposition is the absolute and immediate necessity of preserving existing osteological collections. Once lost, they can never be replaced. They are priceless, historically and culturally. Each collection is unique, in content and in scientific value. No one collection is complete, or replicates any other. These collections are separated by space and by time, by geography and by epoch. They preserve our past, as well as our understanding of human variation. They help us to better understand the human condition and contribute to the advancement of many disciplines including: anthropology, medicine, surgery, anatomy, history, and, undeniably, forensic anthropology. In spite of their uniqueness, all osteological collections face similar challenges: cultural norms and sensitivities, funding, space limitations, and competing priorities. This article provides a succinct overview of several private and public collections around the world, the challenges of preservation, and the benefits of their salvation. The skeletal collections described here are but a sample of what is, and of what may be lost. Anything more would require a book. Anything less would be an irreplaceable and tragic loss.

Clinical Anatomy of the Ligament of the Head of Femur.

The ligament of the head of femur (LHF) has gained clinical attention recently and is reported to contribute to hip stability. This study explores its morphology and morphometry, information that may help inform surgical decision making. Gross anatomical dissections were undertaken on 229 embalmed hips from European (n = 105) and Thai (n = 124) adult cadavers to examine LHF anatomy. Ligament morphometry was statistically compared at different sites, between sexes and sides. The origin of ligamental arteries and absence of the ligament were documented. The LHF was pyramidal or quadrangular in shape. Sub-synovial fibrous bands originated from the transverse acetabular ligament, edges of the acetabular notch, and acetabular floor; less frequently from the hip joint capsule. Distally, the ligament flattened and converged onto the fovea capitis. The ligament was 22.3 ± 4.4 mm long and was significantly wider (P = 0.001) and thicker (P = 0.0003) at the fovea, compared to its mid-zone. Branches of the obturator artery entered the acetabular foramen inferomedially and penetrated the middle third of the LHF. Blood vessels ran within the LHF and appeared to enter the fovea. The ligament was absent in 2.8% of Thai hips and there were no significant sex or side differences in ligament dimensions. The morphology of the LHF is complex. While individual variation was apparent, blood vessels were seen in the distal ligament. Precise information on LHF morphometry and attachment sites will help inform appropriate graft dimensions and choice of fixation sites necessary for ligament reconstruction. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Clin. Anat., 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gender and Population Variation in Craniometry and Freehand Pass Ventriculostomy.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculostomy using the freehand pass method is subject to complications arising from misplacement of the catheter tip. This method may require multiple passes for successful catheterization. Methods of determining the burr-hole location (known as the Kocher point) were derived historically from European patients and may not be appropriate for other populations with different cranial shapes. This study examines the possibility that anatomic variation in interpopulation variation together with sexual dimorphism in cranial size and shape may contribute to this problem. METHODS: Sagittal and parasagittal measurements of the frontal bone were taken of 300 Thai (150 female, 150 male) crania and 300 American white (150 female, 150 male) crania. These measurements were compared to determine sexual dimorphism and interpopulation variation in size and shape. RESULTS: The measurements were statistically significantly larger in males than in females and on the right side than the left in both sexes in both Thai and American white samples. The frontal bone is significantly longer at the sagittal plane in Europeans of both sexes than in Thai, but in the parasagittal plane, there is no difference. This finding indicates a difference in frontal bone shape between the 2 populations and between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions of the frontal bone vary between males and females and can vary among populations. The optimal location for the burr hole in freehand pass ventriculostomy may depend on both the gender and the ancestry of the patient.

Endocranial illuminator: A technique for transilluminating the skull.

A novel tool, the endocranial illuminator (EI), has been devised to facilitate examination of the interior of the intact human cranium. A number of the endocranial characteristics including cranial thickness, sutural complexities, and foramina are easy visible with this device. The EI enhances the accuracy of anatomical examination of the cranial vault in forensic, archaeological, and historical crania in those cases where they must remain intact. The EI is simple and inexpensive to construct and lightweight so it can be used in the laboratory or easily transported in the field.

A large modern Southeast Asian human skeletal collection from Thailand.

The Khon Kaen University Human Skeleton Research Centre has a large human collection consisting of 745 modern northeastern Thai (Isan) skeletons derived from bodies bequeathed to the Department of Anatomy during the period 1979-2014. The aim of this paper is to document the collection and address the question of whether the collection may be representative of local Isan people, or populations of the wider region of mainland Southeast Asia. This will determine its value as a reference collection for forensic anthropology in particular but also for all other fields of research about human skeletal biology. Sex is recorded for 99.6% of the skeletons, and age at death for 91.7%. The collection consists of two-thirds males, one-third females. It includes 10 individuals less than 19 years of age, and adults ranging in age from 20 to 109 years of age. Average age at death is 62 years. Other data available for smaller proportions of the collection include cause of death, occupation, and height and weight at the time of donation. Dates of birth are estimated to range from the late 19th Century to the most recent in 1988. Analysis of the demographic composition of the collection shows that is likely to be representative of the ancestral mix of the Isan people, and of the village farmers who still form a large portion of the Isan population. It may also represent 20th Century populations of much of Southeast Asia where agriculture dominates the economy. The collection forms a valuable resource for research on regional human skeletal characteristics for use in forensic anthropology.

Identification in immuno-electron microscopy of solitary multi-polar peripheral neurons of adult Opisthorchis viverrini by antibody against rat diacylglycerol kinase / Identificación por microscopía imuno-electrónica de las neuronas periféricas multipolares solitarias del Opisthorchis viverrini adulto mediante anticuerpo contra la diacilglicerol kinasa de ratas

By utilizing the antibody for rat DGKz a substantial number of immunopositive cells were found in the OV (Opisthorchis viverrini). The immunopositive cells appeared solitarily and they were distributed rather symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the OV. Some of them were located in close proximity to internal organs such as uterus, ovary, testes, vitelline glands and guts. The immunostained cells extended tapering processes horizontally or obliquely to the OV longitudinal axis. In immuno-electron microscopy, the immunopositive cells were characterized by intensely immunostained mitochondria and weakly immunostained cytoplasm and immunonegative chromatin-poor nucleus. Vacuoles of various sizes without the immunoreactivity were also contained in the cells. Thin cellular processes without the immunoreactivity were found to enclose thinly the entire surfaces of the immunostained cells and processes, and they were in continuity with the interstitial partition-like processes which contained nuclei and aggregation of microfibrils at some distance from the cytoplasmic envelopes. The present finding suggests the possibility that the immunostained cells were peripheral neurons enveloped by peripheral glia and that the glia are of mesenchymal origin because of their cytoplasmic continuity to the interstitial partition-like processes. The motor or sensory nature of the neurons remains to be elucidated.

Mediante el uso del anticuerpos DGK para rata se determinó un número considerable de células inmunopositivas en el Opisthorchis viverrini (OV). Las células inmunopositivas aparecían solitarias y se distribuían simétricamente al eje longitudinal de la OV. Algunas estaban ubicadas en las proximidades de los órganos internos como el útero, ovarios, testículos, glándulas vitelinas e intestino. Las células inmunoteñidas extendían sus procesos horizontalmente u oblicuamente al eje longitudinal de la OV. Por microscopía inmunoelectrónica, las células inmunopositivas se caracterizaron por presentar mitocondrias intensamente teñidas, citoplasma con tinción débil e inmunonegatividad en núcleos pobres en cromatina. También se observó en las células, vacuolas de diversos tamaños sin inmunorreactividad. Se encontraron procesos celulares sin inmunorreactividad para cerrar finamente todas las superficies de las células y procesos, y se continuaron con los procesos de partición intersticiales que contenían núcleos y agregación de microfibrillas a cierta distancia de las envolturas citoplásmicas. El presente hallazgo sugiere la posibilidad de que las células inmunoteñidas son neuronas periféricas envueltas por glia periférica y que la glía presenta origen mesenquimal debido a su continuidad citoplasmática con los procesos de partición intersticiales. La naturaleza motora o sensorial de las neuronas aún no se ha dilucidado.