bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Force Reduction at the Greater Trochanter Using Different Surgical Procedures for Relief of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Authors: Taylor Victor , Wood Addison , Belmares Ricardo , Guttmann Geoffrey , Reeves Rustin 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTIONGreater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is associated with hip pain from repeated trauma to the greater trochanter bursa. Surgical procedures cut the iliotibial tract (ITT) in order to relieve the pressure around the greater trochanter. We propose that the ITT may not be the primary cause of GTPS. In this study, we hypothesize the primary cause of GTPS is the force generated by the gluteus maximus (gmax) tendon where it inserts onto the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.METHODSForce measurements were made using a K‐scan portable tactile pressure measurement system (Tekscan, Inc., S. Boston, MA). Tests were performed on 6 unembalmed cadavers. Cadavers were stabilized on a gurney at the hip. The skin on the top half of the thigh was reflected and superficial fascia removed to expose the ITT. A 7cm incision was made between the ITT and tensor fascia latae muscle. Next, a force sensor pad was placed in the incision between the greater trochanter and ITT. Three categories were used for motion measurements: normal (no cut), ITT cut, and gmax cut. For each category, a range of motions was measured at 0º, 10º, and 15º adduction while subjected to 0º, 10º, 20º flexion and/or extension. Each measurement was made in triplicates.RESULTSA total of 12 hips were observed in the study. Two‐way Analysis of Variance statistical analysis was used to compare force generated from the normal (uncut) hips to hips with either the gmax tendon or ITT cut. Preliminary results indicate more reduction in force in the hips with the ITT cut; however, some relief of force over the greater trochanter was seen with the gmax tendon cut.CONCLUSIONTaking into account the surgical approaches, the gmax tendon cut is the more invasive procedure, and these data suggest the ITT cut to be more effective at relieving force on the greater trochanter, with much less trauma to the patient. More studies will be conducted in the future.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF SKELETAL TRAUMA FROM AN ATYPICAL EARLY COLONIAL PERIOD PIT BURIAL WITH COMPARISON TO FRACTURES OBSERVED AMONG TYPICAL LATE INTERMEDIATE PERIOD (ca AD 1250) ABOVE‐GROUND TOMBS IN THE ANCASH REGION OF HIGHLAND PERU
Authors: Titelbaum Anne , Ibarra Bebel 
Published: November 2023

An atypical subterranean pit burial discovered under a house floor at a prehistoric highland site in Ancash, Peru contains the skeletonized remains of adults and children who appear to have been deposited in a single event. It was hypothesized that the mass grave represents a deposit of individuals who were killed in a situation associated with warfare. To test this hypothesis, a macroscopic analysis of the traumatic injuries of a minimum number of 44 adult skeletons from the pit burial was compared to the pattern of injuries sustained by individuals from an earlier time period who were interred in more typical above‐ground tombs. Results demonstrate that the skeletons from the pit burial demonstrate 20 healed and unhealed traumatic injuries, many of which are found on the posterior aspects of the crania. In contrast, the individuals from the earlier time period demonstrate a low prevalence (1.6%) of postcranial fractures related to falling injuries, and relatively high frequency (33%) of healed and unhealed cranial injuries that cluster on the front left side of the face. Whereas this latter pattern of injury is reflective of face‐to‐face combat, the pattern of injury sustained by the individuals from the pit burial may suggest that the individuals were fleeing their assailants. Implications of these findings are explored.Support or Funding InformationVisiting Scholarship awarded by the American Association of Anatomists
Comparative anatomy of the ischiorectal fossa and pudendal canal in humans and domestic animals
Authors: Rodriguez‐Sosa Jose R. , Hall Margaret , Adrian Brent , Plochocki Jeffrey H 
Published: November 2023

Increasing development of veterinary medicine and use of non‐rodent research models have led to the frequent use of the comparative approach to focus on the anatomy of human and other species. However, as the anatomy of any species has not been studied as much as human, comparisons often fail to produce meaningful conclusions. This is particularly the case when the species compared to human are domestic mammals, which already offer significant structural differences due to their wide variation as species. For example, the ischiorectal fossa (ischioanal fossa in humans) and the pudendal canal, both important elements of the pelvic and perineal regions, are barely described in domestic mammals. This is especially true for the pudendal canal and the neurovascular elements contained in it. As part of our efforts to study the anatomy of pelvis and perineum in several species we have focused on the ischiorectal fossa and pudendal canal using human and domestic animals. Using silicone casts and dissections of the ischiorectal fossa, pelvic wall, and perineum of dogs (n=16), goats (n=9), pigs (n=9), horse (n=3), cats (n=3), and humans (n=22), we have initially defined the particular shapes of the fossa, the pudendal canal and the structural elements that contribute to make their walls in these species (e.g. pelvic diaphragm, sacrotuberal ligament, etc.). Moreover, we have also defined the specific neurovascular elements contained in them (caudal rectal and pudendal nerves, internal pudendal vessels, etc.). Among some interesting findings we found that, unlike in humans, the pudendal canal in domestic animals is not within the ischiorectal fossa. In these species, there is a ‘conceptual’ fossa and a ‘real’ one. The pudendal nerve and vessels (and other associated elements) are compressed against the pelvic wall by the pelvic diaphragm to form the pudendal canal. Then, unlike in humans, the pelvic diaphragm separates caudally from the pelvic wall to generate a ‘real’ ischiorectal fossa.Support or Funding InformationMidwestern University Intramural Funds
Trabecular Bone mass and Daily Travel Distance in Mammals
Authors: Chirchir Habiba , Ruff Christopher B. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Potts Richard 
Published: November 2023

The novel energetics of bipedalism affords humans the ability to walk and run for long distances; for instance, humans in traditional societies are known to walk up to 11km a day. Compared to their close relatives, humans appear unique in their ability to travel long distances, and it has been posited that this ability conferred human ancestors an advantage in exploiting large home ranges, tracking down prey, avoiding predation and scavenging for meat and marrow, and was related to changes in body shape in some members of early Homo. To better understand the anatomical adaptations that offered advantages to members of our genus, it is useful to employ comparative models of living mammals that bear adaptations for long distance travel and running. Cursorial mammals, in comparison to non‐cursorial ones, display external structural adaptations that minimize mass, such as having thin, distally‐tapering limbs to reduce the energetic costs of moving the distal limb; however, it is unclear how internal anatomical structures vary. Specifically, it is not clear how trabecular bone mass varies in related taxa with differing daily travel distances. It is plausible that taxa with long daily travel distances have adapted to greater energetic demands with decreased trabecular bone mass in limbs relative to those with short daily travel distances, as a means of minimizing energetic costs associated with moving and maintaining greater mass.To test this hypothesis, we measured trabecular bone mass (TBM) in fore‐ and hindlimb articulations of canids (Crocuta crocuta, Canis mesomelas, Lycaon pictus, Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus), felids (Panthera onca, Panthera pardus, Acinonyx jubatus, Puma concolor), and cercopithecines (Chlorocebus aethiops, Erythrocebus patas, Theropithecus gelada, Papio anubis)—taxa underlined represent those with long daily travel distances (>10km/day). We accounted for body size differences by dividing TBM by body mass. TBM was measured using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography scans taken through epiphyseal regions. The sample sizes per species ranged from N=5 to N=20.Our overall results show that, instead of minimizing mass as a way of reducing energetic expenditure, mammals with longer daily travel distances display higher TBM, which is consistent with observations of greater bone mass resulting from greater physical activity in experimental and exercise science studies. These results are not only consistent with the conventional understanding of bone functional adaptation, but also support the idea that recently documented variation in trabecular bone structure among hominins was not specifically related to a suite of adaptations for long‐distance travel and running in early Homo, but were more influenced by changes in physical activity levels.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.
Ontogenetic cranial and postcranial regional variation in bone strength: comparisons in two archaeological populations
Authors: Garofalo Evan M , Holmes Megan A 
Published: November 2023

Divergent developmental patterns in cranial and postcranial skeletal elements have been demonstrated in both traditional osteometric dimensions and measures of bone strength properties. These differences have been attributed to the separate driving forces of varying functional demands in each distinct regions. Additionally, it has been shown that postcranial long bone strength properties are genetically constrained relative to body size during growth. Yet, few analyses have considered whether regional patterns are similar across populations. Here we test these relationships in the Tigara and Arikara, two genetically separate archaeological populations which demonstrate differing subsistence practices. We expect that patterns of development in cranial and postcranial elements will correspond with both distinct functional demands and conserved genetic determination of body form throughout ontogeny.Strength properties and linear measurements were taken for mandibles, femora, and humeri from Arikara (Sully site; n=41) and Tigara (Point Hope, n=44) individuals. Ages ranged from infancy to younger adulthood and were determined by dental eruption, and examination of skeletal maturity. Both bending strength (Zx) and bending rigidity (Ix) were calculated for each element along the sagittal plane utilizing bi‐planar radiography, external latex molds for limb elements, and hollow beam modeling. To assess developmental relationships between crania and postcrania, variables were subjected to loess regression and percent adult attainment analyses.Results reveal divergent growth trajectories between skeletal regions within and between populations. As expected, ontogenetic attainment of strength properties followed functional demands within cranial and postcranial regions. Mandibular strength attained near‐adult strength earlier in adolescence in accordance with the onset of an adult diet. Postcranial strength continued to develop into later adolescence, related to increases in body mass particularly in femora. Interestingly, loess regressions showed that postcranial robusticity was significantly different between populations throughout growth, whereas population differences in mandibular robusticity only emerged later in adolescence. Our initial results suggest mandibular strength is developmentally plastic while postcranial robusticity is largely conserved. These differing trends are likely due to ongoing functional demands on the mandible and the relationship of postcranial elements to body size.Support or Funding InformationWenner‐Gren Foundation, Gr. 8114
Dental Wear, Molar Shape and Dietary Adaptation in Early Australopithecus
Authors: Bauer Nathan M , Middleton Emily R , Ward Carol V 
Published: November 2023

The evolution of the ability to process hard‐to‐chew food is considered to be a key innovation in the origin of the Australopithecus‐human clade. This conclusion is based on consideration of the best‐known species of early Australopithecus, A. afarensis. However, the discovery of an even earlier species A. anamensis has led to the realization that these species are likely two ends of an evolving lineage and that A. anamensis may not have been as specialized for chewing difficult foods. If so, this would lead to a significant reconsideration of the biology of the first Australopithecus and the origin of the genus.Here, we test two hypothesized differences between A. anamensis and A. afarensis that have led to these interpretations. First, we test the hypothesis that A. afarensis had relatively lighter wear on its anterior teeth compared with the earlier A. anamensis. Total occlusal area and area of exposed patches of dentine were measured from photographs of fossil specimens using the ImageJ software package. We calculated the amount of dentine exposure relative to occlusal area on each tooth and standardized the amount of dentine exposure on the first molar. Second, we tested the hypothesis that A. afarensis had higher tooth crowns with straighter sides, and possibly relatively larger occlusal areas. To quantify tooth crown height and contours, casts of molar teeth were scanned with a NextEngine scanner, and 3D polygonal models were created for each molar tooth. Pairs of teeth were scaled to the same cervical area and a best‐fit algorithm used to align the models. Comparison of minimum distances between the surfaces was calculated and a heat map of surface difference created. Magnitude of deviations between the crown surfaces was calculated along the crown, which allows comparison of differentially worn teeth.Sample sizes are small, but compared to the rate of wear on the first molar, A. anamensis anterior teeth were more heavily worn anteriorly than those of A. afarensis. Molar crowns were also taller with more sloping sides, seen in significant increase in average deviation from A. anamensis crowns away from the base of the tooth. These results support the observations that A. afarensis shifted its dietary behavior from greater processing with the anterior dentition and increased emphasis on mastication with taller molar crowns with relatively larger occlusal surfaces that could withstand more wear. Thus, the dietary adaptation of A. afarensis likely did not fully characterize the origin of the lineage.
Cervical Vertebral Morphology and Neck Mobility in Gibbons (Hylobates lar) and Humans
Authors: Grider‐Potter Neysa , Goto Ryosuke , Nakano Yoshihiko 
Published: November 2023

The form and function of the primate cervical spine is poorly understood. Specifically, how the bony morphology of the cervical vertebrae facilitates spinal range of motion within primates is not known. Within mammals, primate cervical vertebrae present relatively unique morphologies, such as the uncinate processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between vertebral morphology and range of motion in the cervical spine of gibbons and humans. Vertebral morphology is variable within the cervical column (i.e. the morphology of C3 is different from that of C7). Range of motion also varies between intervertebral joints. These variations allow us to explore the relationship between form and function intraspecifically. We predict that range in flexion will be greater in vertebrae with taller bodies, extension inhibited by long spinous processes, and the range of lateral flexion will be lesser in vertebrae with longer transverse process length and taller uncinate processes. These hypotheses were tested using humans and gibbons (Hylobates lar).Morphological variables were quantified by digitizing cervical vertebral specimens (n=130) using a Microscribe 3DS and measured using Rhinoceros 3DM. Gibbon range of motion was measured from radiographs of maximum flexion, extension, and lateral flexion movements (n=1) and human range of motion was collected from the literature. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to test the intraspecific relationships between vertebral morphology and ranges of motion. In both gibbons and humans, regression results indicate a relationship between the range of lateral flexion and the length of the adjacent transverse process (p<0.1) but no relationship between the other variables. It may be that soft tissue influences ranges of flexion and extension more so than bony morphology. It is also possible the intraspecific differences are too minute to show a significant pattern. An interspecific comparison could elucidate a pattern.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by the National Science Foundation's East Asia and Pacific Summer Program.
The Application of Iodine‐Enhanced Micro‐CT Scanning Protocols to Analyze Multiple Tissue Types and Organ Systems in Mouse Embryos with Short‐term Gestational Hypoxia
Authors: Fisher Rebecca E. , Chapman Gavin , Dunwoodie Sally L. , Kusumi Kenro 
Published: November 2023

We have previously demonstrated that mutations in Hes7 and Mesp2 genes, coupled with short‐term gestational hypoxia, significantly increase the range and severity of vertebral defects in a mouse model (Sparrow et al., 2012). In addition, disruptions of the Notch pathway result not only in vertebral, but also muscle defects (Fisher et al., 2012). These studies utilized skeletal preparations to document the range of vertebral defects, while micro‐dissections were conducted to investigate muscle defects. These techniques are relatively labor‐intensive and not amenable to analyses of multiple tissue types and organ systems within each specimen. In order to facilitate the analysis of multiple tissues in whole embryos, we investigated the utility of iodine‐enhanced microCT scanning protocols. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the optimal percentage concentration and duration of staining for 17.5‐day‐old mouse embryos. Embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and subsequently stained with various concentrations of Lugol's iodine solution (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), for different lengths of time (2, 5, 10 days). Images were acquired using a SKYSCAN 1172 micro‐CT scanner, with an X‐ray source at 70kVp and 142 μA, or 55kVp and 181 μA, using a 0.5 mm aluminum filter. The iodine staining protocols did result in visualization of a diversity of soft‐tissue structures including skeletal muscle, blood vessels, and internal organs. However, the specific parameters of the staining protocols greatly impacted the quality of the images, with low concentrations (25%) resulting in poor resolution of soft tissue and high concentrations (100%) resulting in tissue deformation. Results also indicate that the duration of staining as well as the delivery of the stain (one dose versus a step‐wise progression) may affect outcomes. Despite these challenges, this study suggests that iodine‐enhanced micro‐CT scanning protocols can be utilized to conduct whole embryo analyses of defects related to hypoxic conditions during development.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this project was provided by the American Association of Anatomists and the University of Arizona.
Use of Axial CT Scans to Assess Early Postnatal Development of the Internal Nares: a Test of Reliability
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Meaike Joshua , Pagano Anthony , Curcio Daniella Franco , Som Peter , Laitman Jeffrey T. 
Published: November 2023

Human newborns are exclusively nasal breathers due to an anatomical configuration of the aerodigestive tract, similar to those of non‐human primates. Thus, choanal stenosis and other upper airway obstructions may be serious conditions among infants. Morphometric studies lack standardized methods to investigate size, proportion and position of the internal nares in relation to the skull. This study tests the hypothesis that 3D coordinates for landmarks and craniometric points taken on axial CT scans can be reliably used to assess choanal aperture and craniofacial anatomy via 3D geometric morphometrics. We used the computer program Osirix® to identify 16 landmarks on 23 axial scans of monkey skulls (Macaca mulatta) as a model to test accuracy. Two observers underwent four training sessions to plot the landmarks on specimens apart from the study sample. Each observer performed three assessments per specimen and no specimen was evaluated twice in the same day. We assessed landmark accuracy using Generalized Procrustes Analysis by optimal superimposition, scaling by Centroid Size and measured the procrustes distances to interpret data. The obtained interobserver errors were higher than 5%, which indicates that 3D landmark coordinates obtained from axial slices generate considerable interobserver variation and low reproducibility of measurements between structures or bone regions situated in different planes. There was no significant difference in interobserver accuracy in identifying standard craniometric points or regional landmarks assessed by ANOVA. This study indicates that collection of 3D coordinates from axial slices to assess the complex morphology of the choanae and how it changes with growth and development involves intrinsic errors of measurement that must be addressed and controlled when performing geometric morphometric analysis. Next step of this project is using volume rendered 3D CT scans and obtain coordinates for the same landmarks to determine interobserver variability, assess accuracy, and validate reproducibility.Support or Funding InformationIcahn School of Medicine's Summer Student Investigator Program Award/CNPq ‐ Brazilian National Counsel of Technological Development