bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chicken or the egg?: The incidence of lower limb pathology and the association with individuals with increased body mass
Authors: Kelso Rebecca Scopa 
Published: June 2021

Clinically, it is important to understand the long‐term mechanical effects of increased loadbearing on joints of the lower limb throughout ontogeny. This study looks at relationships among increased mass, femoral and proximal tibia dimensions, and the differences between individuals with and without lower limb skeletal pathology. A clinical control sample of juveniles categorized as having normal mass, both with and without skeletal pathology, was compared with juveniles considered clinically obese, also with and without skeletal pathology. Radiographic measurements of the femoral head, distal femur, and proximal tibia were taken. Measurements obtained from the images were corrected for parallax. Results indicate a high correlation between obese individuals and increased dimensions from femoral head and the medial knee, as well as greater frequencies of pathology. Furthermore, there is some indication that joint sizes may be adaptive and responding with skeletal pathology to increased weight gain in older children (10–17 yrs). This may indicate overcompensating in joint size growth among obese juveniles, most likely in response to high mechanical loads. The limitations of the data leave the timing of the onset of obesity unknown, however, and therefore the ontogeny of joint hypertrophy cannot yet be established.Grant Funding Source: N/A
MYOCARDIAL BRIDGING ‐ A RISK FACTOR FOR MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA?
Authors: TEOFILOVSKI‐PARAPID Gordana , Jankovic Radmila M , Parapid Biljana J , Aleksandric Srdjan B , Nedeljkovic Ivana P , Beleslin Branko D , Simic Dragan V , Teofilovski Mirko C 
Published: June 2021

Myocardial bridging (MBing) is a congenital anomaly the most frequently described over LAD. Recently, MBs are often related to myocardial ischemia (MI), left ventricle dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The reported incidence of MBing on autopsies varies extensively (4.7%–86%), likely related to geographical regions, while national data have not yet been available.Retrospective analysis of autopsy protocols of 721 consecutive autopsies (adults of both sexes) performed between July 2010 and June 2011 at the Institute of Pathology at FMUB, with LM studies (HE&Masson trichrome) of the tunneled vessel (TV) wall along with the morphometric analysis of the ventricular myocardium supplied by the TV (experimental group) and the ventricular myocardium of the same heart but with a different blood supply (control group) were done.Myocardial bridges were described in 6/721 cases (0.8%): 5 were male and all over 70yrs. Only single MB were described over LAD. In all of the cases: a) TV had intensive atherosclerotic changes proximal to the MB and only focal in the tunneled part; b) there was intensive interstitial fibroses of the myocardium supplied by the TV.We found strong evidence of MBing and MI, but do not consider the 0.8% being the true prevalence of MBing in Serbian population and suggested prospective studies. (This work was supported by MESRSerbia Grants: 41022;175030).
A Study of Facial Dimensions in Relation to the Gonial Angle in Cadaveric Specimens
Authors: Supple Elizabeth Lynn , Bruzzini Kristen Blake , Steinkoenig Colleen 
Published: June 2021

It has been noted in some cases of cranio‐facial disformities that there is a relationship between facial height and the gonial angle of the mandible. This study focused on finding the relationship between these measurements in persons without any cranio‐facial disformities. Cadaveric specimens were used to determine a relationship between facial dimensions in the fixed facial bones and the gonial angle of the mandible. The distance between the anterior inferior edge of the nasal suture and the suture between the maxilla and the zygomatic bone was measured to determine the facial width. The facial height was measured from the mid‐sagittal alveolar process to the anterior inferior edge of the nasal suture. These measurements were compared to the gonial angle of the mandible to see what relationship exists.Grant Funding Source: none
Anatomical variations in the superior thyroid artery in the South African population
Authors: Kolkenbeck‐Ruh Andrea , Hartmann Carol , Hutchinson Erin 
Published: June 2021

For surgical disciplines, an understanding of the variations of the superior thyroid artery (STA) is essential as the STA is a crucial landmark during surgical procedures involving the thyroid gland. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate variations in the origin and branching pattern of the STA within a South African population. Further analyses included variations in the origin and branching pattern according to sex and symmetry.Thirty‐two adult South African cadavers of European ancestry (18 males and 14 females) were dissected to expose the origin and branching pattern of the STA bilaterally. Observations were made on the origin and branching patterns of the vessel bilaterally. Frequency tables were used to determine the frequencies of the origin and branching patterns of the STA.The STA originated most commonly from the external carotid artery at the carotid sinus (34.2%). This origin was observed more frequently on the left side in males than in females (p=0.04). In both sexes and for both left and right sides, the STA most commonly gave rise to anterior and posterior glandular branches.South African populations of European descent exhibit similar variation in the origin and branching patterns of the superior thyroid artery to other European populations. Furthermore significant variation in the arterial supply to the thyroid gland exists between males and females. An understanding of these differences is important for successful thyroid surgery.
Body Mass Estimators in Fossorial Mammals and the Body Mass of Extinct Palaeanodonta (Pholidotamorpha)
Authors: Ahrens Heather E , Ruff Christopher B 
Published: June 2021

Body mass is an important variable in many ecological, functional, and phylogenetic analyses. In order to test for differences between extant and extinct fossorial mammals, useful body mass proxies must be established. We tested multiple skeletal dimensions for their ability to estimate body mass in mammals that employ fossoriality, a specialized locomotor style. Given the derived morphology of the forelimb in those taxa, measures of the hind limb were expected to be more reliable than measures of the forelimb. Lengths, diaphyseal breadths, and articular breadths were taken on the humerus, ulna, and femur from eleven extant species representing several taxonomic orders, digging styles, and a range of body masses. Percent standard error of the estimate (%SEE) was used to assess the reliability of prediction equations. Length measures were the most reliable predictors of body mass; articular breadths of the femur were also reliable. Measures with a %SEE below 10% were used to estimate the body masses of several species of Palaeanodonta, which includes some of the most fossorial mammals of the Paleogene. The smallest measured palaeanodont, Epoicotherium unicum, is predicted to have weighed between 58.5 and 196.9 g, whereas the largest, Metacheiromys dasypus, is predicted to have weighed between 3.43 and 7.07 kg.Grant Funding Source: None
In vitro biomechanical evaluation of fibular movement in below knee amputations
Authors: Asa Benjamin , Wilson Tim , Payne Mike , Dunning Cynthia , Burkhart Tim 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn below knee amputations (BKA), the tibia and fibula may be subjected to intrinsic and extrinsic forces resulting in fibular rotation and abduction, impeding ambulation. We investigated the effect of biceps femoris muscle tension and interosseous membrane (IOM) integrity on fibular kinematics in two BKA lengths. We hypothesize the stabilizing role of the IOM will be decreased in shorter amputations, and therefore, fibular movement will occur more readily.MethodsTwo cadaveric specimens, disarticulated at the knee, were amputated at 5 and 10cm lengths. Tibiae were mounted in a material testing machine and biceps femoris tendons (BFT) were sutured to the actuator. A cyclical loading pattern applied displacement‐dependent tensile forces (initial displacement of 3mm for 100 cycles @1Hz with increments of 1mm) to the BFT. The three‐dimensional kinematics of the tibia with respect to the fibula were measured. To evaluate the role of the IOM, the aforementioned procedure was repeated on specimens with a sectioned IOM.ResultsThe 10cm BKA required more force than the 5cm BKA in the 100th cycle at each incremental displacement block, presumably due to decreased fibular movement. However, this difference is predicted to be negated when the IOM is sectioned.ConclusionUnderstanding the cause of fibular abduction in BKA will lead to recommendations for preventive surgical and rehabilitative measures.Grant Funding Source: Departmental
Dimensions of the ankle ligaments: anatomical study and literature review
Authors: Duscher Dominik , Wenny Raphael , Weninger Patrick , Hirtler Lena 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionWith over 20,000 cases reported daily just in the United States damage of the ankle ligaments is one of the most frequent injuries of the musculosceletal system. Especially the lateral ligaments are prone to harm during supination movements. Depending on the severity of the injury conservative or operative therapeutic actions are indicated. For operative reconstruction precise anatomic information on the dimensions of the ankle ligaments is important and can help optimizing these procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the length and width dimension of the ankle ligaments and contrast the results with the published literature.Material and Methods17 non‐paired adult, formaline‐fixed cadaver ankles were dissected to expose the capsuloligamentous structures. After identification of the ligaments, dimensions were measured with a ruler and a sliding caliper.ResultsThe dimensions of the ligaments were recorded. Means and standard deviation were calculated and discussed with the literature.ConclusionStudies of therapeutic options in severe ankle ligament injury have shown better results in anatomical reconstruction compared to other operative treatments. To optimize this procedures, exact anatomic information on the dimensions of the ankle ligaments should be beneficial.Grant Funding Source: AAA
Chondrogenesis in pellet cultures using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells derived from Cd44−/− and wildtype mice
Authors: Veluci Roberta Medeiros , Knudson Warren , Knudson Cheryl B. 
Published: June 2021

Murine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSCs) are a promising model system to study regenerative cartilage biology. Either TGFβ or BMPs are used to induce MSCs to chondrogenesis or osteogenesis. Kartogenin (KGN) was recently shown to promote cartilage repair in osteoarthritic mouse models but its effects on the TGFβ and BMP pathways are unknown. Our previous studies showed that SMAD1, a factor in the canonical BMP pathway, interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of CD44, suggesting a mechanism whereby hyaluronan and its receptor CD44 may promote the cellular response to BMP and cartilage regeneration. Thus we tested the capacity of Cd44−/− and WT mMSCs to undergo chondrogenesis in pellet cultures containing BMP7 or TGFβ3 +/− KGN. We optimized a protocol for purifying mMSCs from tibial and femoral bone marrow cavities which yielded CD105+/CD11bmMSCs after 14d of culture (1.86% of original isolate). The osteogenic potential of mMSCs was detected with alizarin red. Chondrogenesis in pellet culture sections was evaluated using histology (e.g., Alcian blue/nuclear fast red, PNA) and morphometrics used to determine chondrogenic clusters. In terms of size, pellets treated with BMP7+KGN>; TGFβ3>; TGFβ3+KGN>; BMP7, and assessment of the chondrogenic clusters showed BMP7+KGN>; TGFβ3>; BMP7>; TGFβ3+KGN. Hence KGN may enhance BMP7 and hinder the TGFβ3 pathway to induce chondrogenesis. Supported by NIH R01‐AR39507.Grant Funding Source: N/A
Going out on a limb: functional and developmental integration in human limb long bones
Authors: Auerbach Benjamin Miller , DeLeon Valerie Burke 
Published: June 2021

Morphological integration (MI) describes the covariance of phenotypes, which in turn reveals information about shared genetic and developmental pathways underlying those phenotypes, as well as functional correlations. Previous research on MI in the elements of the limbs has focused on murine models and on comparisons among primates. The latter studies demonstrate an increase in the independence of long bone lengths among apes, especially humans. However, no research has examined integration among multiple dimensions—lengths, articulations, and diaphyses—in human limb bones.This study examines external linear dimensions taken from lengths, articulations, and diaphyses of humeri, radii, femora and tibiae, using a global sample of 3625 human skeletons. Eigenvalue variances and covariance matrix comparisons were used to assess MI and modularity. Results show that similar dimensions (e.g., lengths) among homologous elements are more integrated than elements in the same limb. Lengths have the highest MI. There is independence between diaphyseal dimensions and lengths, corroborating previous findings. This indicates different sources of constraint on these morphologies from developmental and functional factors.
Classification of Sex and Ancestry from Metatarsal Bones by Radiographic Analysis
Authors: McCarthy Sarah A , Albano Michael , Nedresky Joseph , Cabo‐Perez Luis 
Published: June 2021

It is difficult to accurately estimate sex and ancestry from incomplete skeletal remains; particularly when the skull and pelvis are absent. It is necessary to be able to accurately estimate a biological profile from multiple bones because skeletal remains are often found incomplete. Metatarsal bones are ideal candidates for estimation of sex and ancestry because they are more numerous than other post‐cranial bones and are usually found intact enclosed in shoes, protected from taphonomic influences. The goal of this study was to evaluate the presence of sexual and ancestral differences in metatarsal bones from a modern population. To evaluate these differences, we analyzed radiographs taken between 2003 and 2012, recording length and width measurements of metatarsal bones. We then performed discriminant function analysis to determine which measurements were most useful to classify sex and ancestry. We found that we could correctly classify sex and ancestry independently, 78.4% and 59.3% of the time, respectively; additionally 45.9% of individuals were correctly classified when sex and ancestry were pooled. In conclusion, our data suggests that there are sexual and ancestral differences present in metatarsal bones. Furthermore, our results suggest that a whole set of metatarsals is preferred to estimate sex and ancestry, with an emphasis placed on the first metatarsal bone.Grant Funding Source: LECOM Internal Grant
Parallel lumbar and pelvic morphology in atelines and early hominids: clues to the earliest hominid adaptations to upright walking?
Authors: Machnicki Allison L , Haile‐Selassie Yohannes , Spurlock Linda , Mendes Sérgio L , Strier Karen B , McCollum Melanie A , Lovejoy C. Owen 
Published: June 2021

Lumbar lordosis is a critical element of human bipedality, because it obviates the need for African ape style bent‐hip‐bent‐knee (BHBK) gait. Apes have eliminated lumbar mobility by trapping the most caudal lumbars between dorsally extended ilia. The earliest known hominids show the opposite state—emancipation of the most caudal lumbar by reduction in iliac height and expansion of sacral alar breadth. Ateline monkeys have flexible prehensile tails, which, when used simultaneously with their forelimbs for support, induce substantial lordosis. To determine if similar skeletal and ligamentous morphology underlies lumbar lordosis in atelines and hominids, we examined (dissection, MRI, X‐ray) the pelves and lumbar columns across anthropoids. We find substantial parallels between hominids and atelines including reduced iliac height and position of the sacrum relative to the ilium and pubis. These results indicate that lowering iliac height is a likely first step in directly evolving bipedality without any reliance on a BHBK gait.Grant Funding Source: None
A quantitative assessment of the morphology of the piriform aperature as an indicator of race
Authors: Gardner Seth 
Published: June 2021

A quantitative method for assessing the morphology of the piriform aperture was developed in order to investigate ancestry of an unknown skull. Discriminant function analysis predicted an unknown specimen's race with an accuracy of 77.4%. Step‐wise analysis produced an accuracy of 79.0%. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess piriform aperture morphology as a tool for discriminating ancestry between Black and White populations. Twenty‐four linear measurements as well as the perimeter of the anterior nasal aperture were taken from digital images using the Adobe Acrobat Pro 9.0 Measurement Tool. Multivariate analysis, specifically Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), was used to analyze the data. Eleven of the twenty‐five variables measured in this study proved to be racially dimorphic. A multivariate discriminant function produced a useful equation to predict an unknown specimen's race based on the discriminate function score with an accuracy of 77.4%. Step‐wise discriminant function analysis, using only the three most significant variables, produced an accuracy of 79.0%. Where the sex was known to be male, DFA generated a function using only one variable (105° from centroid) to accurately discriminate between the two races. The results of this study bear out the hypothesis that one can determine the race or ancestry of an unknown skull, using the Adobe Acrobat Pro 9.0 Measurement Tool.This research was funded by Palmer College. This investigation was conducted in a facility constructed with support from Research Facilities Improvement Program Grant Number C06 RR15433–01 from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institute of Health.
Morphological integration of the human mandible in two pre‐ Columbian skeletal samples
Authors: Reeves Nicole M. , Wheat Amber , Dudzik Beatrix 
Published: June 2021

The human skull is a complex structure composed of many semi‐independent but integrated units. Functionally, the cranium is often partitioned into three modules: the vault, basicranium, and splanchnocranium. While the mandible is an integral functional component of the skull, it is rarely examined in the field of human morphological integration. In this study, we investigate patterns of integration between the vault, basicranium, and mandible in adult skulls from two related pre‐Columbian populations—Caddo and Arikara—using 3D geometric morphometrics. The Caddo exhibit artificial cranial deformation (ACD), while the Arikara are nondeformed (ND). This study tests two null hypotheses: (1) ACD skulls will demonstrate the same levels of overall integration as ND skulls, and (2) patterns of integration between the mandible and cranial base are not affected by ACD. Procrustes superimposition is used to scale and rotate the coordinate data, and principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis are used to assess shape differences and variation between the samples. Results indicate that integrated shape changes are complex, but the overall pattern is similar among the ACD and ND samples. This is one of the first studies to examine how patterns of integration between the mandibule and other modules of the cranium are affected by ACD.Grant Funding Source: AAA
Determination of VraR Binding Activity on fmtA Promoter
Authors: Yang Zhifeng , Golemi‐Kotra Dasantila 
Published: June 2021

In S. aureus, the VraSR two‐component system can sense cell wall stress and coordinate the response to antibiotics that inhibit cell wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis. fmtA encodes a low‐affinity penicillin binding protein and is part of the core cell wall stimulon. fmtA is described to be under the regulation of VraSR.In this study, we investigated binding of VraR to the fmtA promoter region. Two VraR binding regions in fmtA promoter have been found by EMSA and DNase I footprinting assays. The VraR binding motifs on these regions were predicted, and single or double nucleotide mutations were generated to investigate, the recognition or binding elements for VraR. We are using runoff in vitro transcription assays to investigate further the binding mode of VraR. The qRT‐PCR showed that the fmtA expression level was upregulated by VraS/VraR under oxacillin treatment. Our study suggests that VraR coordinates fmtA expression in vivo.Source of research support: CIHR Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Comprehensive Characterization of Posttranslational Modifications of Histones Using a Novel High‐Throughput Middle‐Down Proteomics Approach
Authors: Hess Sonja , Kalli Anastasia , Moradian Annie , Sweredoski Michael J 
Published: June 2021

Until recently, histones have mostly been characterized by either bottom‐up or top‐down mass spectrometric analysis. While the bottom‐up approach is more sensitive, the important connectivity of the posttranslational modifications of the N‐terminus is often lost. This connectivity is maintained in top‐down proteomics, but the sensitivity of this approach is lacking. Middle‐down proteomics is a compromise between bottom‐up and top‐down analysis using a limited digestion that creates peptides large enough to maintain the important connectivity in the N‐terminal tail of histones. To achieve a high‐throughput method, middle‐down proteomics was coupled with on‐line chromatographic separation using electron capture dissociation (ECD), a fragmentation technique that preserves the posttranslational modifications. Taking advantage of the high mass accuracy in the FTICR mass analyzer, several histone variants were identified and modification sites were successfully localized, including single, multiple and positional isomeric PTM sites. In general, protein sequence coverage was well over 50%, reaching 100% in many instances.Middle‐down nano‐LC‐ECD MS/MS approach enables the comprehensive, high‐throughput analysis of unfractionated histones and reveals global modification profiles and localization of PTMs.
Translational Repression Mediated By the Genotoxic Agent Sodium Dichromate Results in P‐body Formation in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Hopfauf Whitney Leigh , Bullard Chris , Segner Sara , Rathmann Blaine , Koch Tony , Wilson Ted , Segal Scott P 
Published: June 2021

Mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress are conserved across eukaryotes. For instance, exposure to oxidation can result in lipid and nucleic acid damage and elicit a stress response. The genotoxic agent, sodium dichromate oxidizes guanines resulting in OxoG bases, induces double strand breaks, or generates abasic sites. Therefore, an oxidative stress response is crucial to maintain proper cellular function. In response to stress, cells control gene expression by repressing translation. Repressed mRNA may localize to P‐bodies or stress granules; cytoplasmic structures where non‐translating mRNA are found. While P‐bodies contain mRNA degradation factors, stress granules contain translation initiation factors, allowing for storage of mRNA until removal of the stress.Exposure of yeast to sodium dichromate caused an increase in P‐bodies, whereas stress granules failed to form. The response occurs within 10 min. of exposure and is dependent on translational repression. Interestingly, use of the antioxidant, quercetin, abrogated the increase in P‐body formation during co‐treatment with sodium dichromate. Our data suggests a model in which damaged mRNA or mRNA transcribed from damaged genes are degraded rather than stored. We suspect oxidative damage may halt translating ribosomes on these mRNA, activating the no‐go decay pathway.