Bone Fragments Research Articles

Uptake time and enrichment mechanism of rare earth elements in deep-sea bioapatite

Bioapatite is widely recognized as the primary carrier for rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) in deep-sea REY-rich muds. The incorporation of REY into bioapatite occurs at the water-sediment interface, which has the potential to serve as a proxy for reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions. The timing of REY uptake and the fractionation of rare earth elements (REEs) within bioapatite are crucial factors to understanding the application of these proxies. In this study, we present in-situ geochemical data for bioapatite obtained from surface sediments in the high sedimentation rate Somali Basin of the northwestern Indian Ocean (NWIO), as well as fish teeth within nodules from the low sedimentation rate in the northwestern Pacific Ocean (NWPO). Our findings indicate that the uptake time of REY occurred rapidly, with the ΣREY content reaching 7265 μg/g in bioapatite from the surface sediments in the NWIO within several thousand years. The bone fragments exhibited a high ΣREY content, which was primarily attributed to substitution processes. This led to a notably elevated proportion of middle rare earth elements (MREE) compared to fish teeth. In contrast, the adsorption and substitution mechanisms responsible for REY incorporation decreased from the root to the tip in fish teeth, resulting in a pronounced decline in ΣREY content. The adsorption mechanism was identified as the primary process responsible for REY uptake in the fish teeth within the studied nodules from the NWPO. The fractionation pattern of REEs in these teeth exhibited similarities to that of fish teeth from the NWIO. Therefore, we inferred that the fish teeth within the studied nodules may preserve the original information during late diagenesis. The variation of REY contents in the nodules was influenced by the redox environment, and there is no evidence to support the migration of REY from the nodules into the fish teeth.

Free bone fragments are associated with the development of heterotopic ossification after hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: a retrospective observational study.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) can occur after hemiarthroplasty (HA) for femoral neck fractures (FNF). This study aimed to investigate the frequency and factors contributing to the development of HO after HA. The study included data from 92 of 183 patients (26 male and 66 female) who sustained FNF and underwent HA between April 2019 and January 2022. HO was identified on postoperative radiographic images. Patient background, operative duration, blood loss, and presence of free bone fragments immediately after surgery were compared between the HO and non-HO groups. Statistical analyses included the independent-sample t-test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using HO as an objective variable. HO occurred in 50 of the 92 (54%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in patient backgrounds. Univariate analysis revealed significantly longer mean operative duration and greater blood loss in the HO group. Free bone fragments in the immediate postoperative period were observed in 29 of 50 (58%) patients in the HO group and in 3 of 42 (7.1%) patients in the non-HO group, a statistically significant difference. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of free bone fragments was an independent explanatory factor for HO development. The presence of free bone fragments immediately after surgery may be significantly associated with the development of HO. Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently remove such fragments during surgery because they may trigger HO.

Fatal Moans and Bones in Crohn's: A Case of Heterotopic Mesenteric Ossification.

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) represents a rare reactive condition characterized by abnormal bone formation within the mesentery. HMO's etiology remains enigmatic, with proposed triggers including trauma-induced metaplasia or bone fragment dislodgment from other sites during abdominal surgery. With fewer than 100 documented cases in the literature, much about this condition remains unknown. In this report, we present a notable case of HMO in a 43-year-old man with a history of severe Crohn's disease and multiple abdominal surgeries. Following a period of unresponsiveness at home, he was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he received palliative care due to a poor prognosis. An autopsy revealed mature, benign bone fragments within the mesentery, alongside severe dehydration, likely exacerbated by decreased oral intake and medication cessation related to his ostomy. Although antemortem imaging revealed HMO, it was misattributed to contrast versus calcification. This case underscores the importance of clinician awareness regarding HMO, particularly its potential implications in inflammatory bowel disease. Early recognition and interdisciplinary collaboration among radiologists, pathologists, and clinicians are paramount in optimizing patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate this intriguing pathology's pathogenesis and best management strategies.

Assessing the impact of corrosive acids on human bone integrity in forensic context.

Dissolving bodies is a contemporary method of disposing of human remains and has been practiced throughout the years. This research article discussed the impact of readily available corrosive chemicals, such as Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and Expelz™ toilet cleaner, on human bone. Unfortunately, the existing literature on this subject is scarce, with only a few studies conducted on human bones. To address this gap, we conducted an experimental analysis using human sternum bone fragments. These samples were subjected to immersion in different acids, namely HCl and H2SO4, at two concentrations (10% and 37%), and Expelz™ toilet cleaner. This research aims to describe the impact of toilet cleaner, sulphuric acid, and hydrochloric acid on bone tissue deterioration at various time intervals. Further, the morphological alterations weight loss, and cytological analysis of bone tissue residue with various acid concentrations and immersion times (3.5, 9, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72h) were analyzed. Among the chemicals examined, it is evident that 37% hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), regardless of refreshment, exhibit the highest reactivity, resulting in the complete decomposition of hard tissue within a few hours. In contrast, the behaviour of 10% H2SO4 reveals a more intricate degradation process characterized by fluctuations in weight loss. These distinct reactivity profiles under different conditions are crucial in understanding the potential for rapid weight loss, signifying high reactivity and more gradual weight loss, indicating a faster decomposition rate. Notably, refreshment of the solution enhanced the reactivity of both HCl and H2SO4.

First identification of a Neanderthal bone spear point through an interdisciplinary analysis at Abric Romaní (NE Iberian Peninsula)

Osseous industry has been observed at an increasing number of Neanderthal sites. Bone fragments were used for practical purposes, and a range of bone shaping techniques were employed. The variability of bone tools observed in different assemblages reflects considerable functional diversity. However, no bone spear points have been reported from these contexts. A comprehensive analysis of a bone spear point from the Middle Palaeolithic site of Abric Romaní (Barcelona, Spain) is presented. Through an interdisciplinary, multi-technique, and multi-scale approach combining technology, taphonomy, and functional analysis, compelling evidence for manufacture, use, and hafting was uncovered. The specimen exhibits clear signs of intentional knapping. The presence of microscopic linear impact marks, an impact fracture at the tip and potential internal stress fractures indicate its use as a spear. Furthermore, the observed wear pattern and a morphological adjustment of the trabecular tissue support the hafting hypothesis. Abric Romaní contributes to our understanding of Neanderthal hunting behaviour and the significance of composite bone tools in their technological repertoire 50,000 years ago. This discovery highlights the flexibility and adaptability of Neanderthal technology, providing evidence of bone technology that is sometimes obscured in the archaeological record and offering valuable insights into their hunting strategies during the Middle Palaeolithic.

Extra Medullary Fixation in Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures by PF-LCP.

Perception that extra-medullary fixation of these fractures are fraught with difficulties and deficiencies is becoming inappropriate. This device provides angular stable fixation retaining fracture biology with minimum interference to osseous and soft-tissue vascularity and it does not require reaming which destroys 80% of endosteal vasculature for 6-12weeks. PFLCP averts iatrogenic fracture in lateral trochanteric wall (LTW) which is frequent with DHS, protects LTW from secondary fracture in post-operative period. Aim is to assess outcome of unstable proximal femur fracture fixation by PFLCP. Study included 64 from 2016 to 2020, divided in two groups. (A) Unstable intertrochanteric fracture and (B) subtrochanteric fracture (Seinsheimer types II-V). All fractures fixed by MIPO with PFLCP. Loss of reduction, infection, cut-out, cut-through, backing of screws, bending or breaking of plate and screw, malunion, non-union and revision were evaluated. Fracture healing and functional recovery assessed by Reborne Score and Parker Mobility Score (PMS) respectively. Out of 64, 24 achieved pre-injury PMS, 32 declined by 1 point, 6 declined by 2 points and 1 by 3 points, one required revision. Using various parameters 37.5% patients had excellent results and 50% had good results, 9.38% had average and 3.12% had poor result. None reported non-union or breakage of plate. PFLCP provides angular stable fixation, torsional stability with high biomechanical strength to resist deforming stresses. MIPO avoids soft-tissue stripping reducing blood-loss, retains periosteal blood supply to inter-fragmentary bone fragments, enhancing fracture healing, reducing complications, such as delayed healing, nonunion, infection and implant failure.

Classification and Treatment Strategies of Tibial Tubercle Fractures in Adults.

Tibial tubercle is a crucial player in maintaining the structural integrity and functional stability of the knee joint. Currently, there is no standardized protocol for the classification and treatment of tibial tubercle fractures in adults. This study analyzed the incidence and treatment strategies of tibial tubercle fractures in adults according to the four-column and nine-segment classification system. Data of patients with proximal tibial fractures involving tibial tubercle fractures who were treated at our hospital from August 2007 to March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification and four-column and nine-segment classification systems, and the treatment protocol (surgically treated or conservatively treated) was recorded. The number and distribution proportion of patients were counted. A two-sided t-test was conducted to determine the significance of differences between the gender and sides. In total, 169 tibial tubercle fractures were found in 1484 proximal tibial fractures. According to the AO/OTA classification, seven of the 169 patients, (4.1%) were type A, 36 patients (21.3%) were type B, and 126 patients (74.6%) were type C. According to the four-column and nine-segment classification, type 1 cleavage without free fragments was the most common type of fracture (93/169, 55.0%), followed by type 2 dissociative segmental fragments (48/169, 28.4%) and type 3 comminuted fractures (28/169, 16.6%). Overall, 139 of the 169 proximal tibial fractures with tuberosity involvement were treated surgically. Among them, additional fixation of the tubercle fragment was performed in 52 fractures. The incidence of tibial tubercle fractures involved in proximal tibial fractures was approximately 11.4% (169/1484) in adults, and approximately one-third of the tubercle bone fragment required additional fixation (30.8%, 52/169). The injury types in the four-column and nine-segment classifications are helpful for accurately judging and making treatment-related decisions for tibial tubercle fractures.

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy imaging of bone repair in mandibular laser-osteotomy.

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in the characterization of bone repair in mandibular osteotomy using erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser and multilaminate drill on each side. Two mandible bone fragments were removed from 30 rabbits, and the process of bone repair was studied immediately, 3, 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after the surgery. The histological analysis allowed detecting differences in the early stages of tissue repair after bone cutting performed with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser or multilaminate drill. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy technique was sensitive to changes in the organic content of bone tissue repair process.

Augmentation genioplasty using discarded bone fragments following proximal segment osteotomy of the ramus in intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO)

BackgroundBased on a three-dimensional (3D) orthognathic simulation, this technical report introduces a method for augmentation genioplasty using a proximal bone fragment of the mandible, which is typically discarded in intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO).ResultsA 43-year-old female patient diagnosed with Class III malocclusion, presenting with a protruding mandible and long facial height, underwent surgical treatment. The surgical plan involved mandibular setback position using IVRO and augmentation genioplasty. The 3D orthognathic surgery including augmentation genioplasty simulation was performed. An excessively elongated proximal segment was sectioned following IVRO. The inferior part of the sectioned proximal bone fragment of the mandible was positioned to align with the requirements of advancement genioplasty. After ensuring that the placement of the fragment matched that of the simulated surgery, each bone fragment was fixed. At 1.5 years post-surgery, the grafted bone on the augmentation genioplasty was well maintained, with slight bone resorption.ConclusionsAugmentation genioplasty using the proximal bone fragment of the mandible, which is typically discarded in IVRO, reduces the surgical complications associated with chin osteotomy. When a secondary genioplasty is required, genioplasty with osteotomy, movement of the cut bone fragments, partial bone-shaving osteotomy, and additional bone grafting are viable options.

Sex Determination through Pelvic Bone Using Anteroposterior Radiographs

Background: Forensic anthropology uses digital radiography to identify victims' gender, despite the population-specific nature of determining gender from bones, offering a cost-effective and straightforward method. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the digital radiography technology for sex recognition of the selected participant group in Hyderabad, Sindh Time and location: Cross-sectional study conducted by department of Forensic medicine Liaquat University of medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro and Isra University Hyderabad at the outpatient of Liaquat University hospital, Hyderabad from February to May 2023. Methods: The study included male and female patients aged 18-50 years and was authorized by the Research and Ethics Committee LUMHS. Study participants were divided into two groups; male and female. Differences in pelvis bone fragments parameters like iliac height, inter-acetabular distance, pelvic inlet (breadth), acetabulum diameter, pubic length, Ischial length and ischio-pubic index on digital x-ray radiographs of both groups were examined and compared. Results: A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in bony prominence parameters including inter-acetabular distance, acetabular diameter, breadth of the pelvic inlet, pubic length, ischial length and ischio-pubic index was observed between group A and group B. The study revealed that the accuracy in recognizing male individuals through ileum height (68.8%), inter-acetabular distance (64.7%), and the pelvic inlet breadth (61.0 %) Conclusion: The iliac height, inter-acetabular distance, pelvic inlet (breadth), inter-acetabular diameter, pubic length, Ischial length and ischio-pubic index on radiographs (x-rays) of pelvic bones are a reliable bone fragments parameters in sex determination with high precision.

The value of computer reconstruction in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus

The aim of the work was to study the role of computer reconstruction and additive technologies in the planning of surgical treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus in the early post-traumatic period. Materials and methods: the results of treatment of 44 patients with fractures of the distal part of the humerus aged from 22 to 65 years were studied. All patients underwent MSCT in the preoperative period. In 45.5 % (20) cases, in order to increase the effectiveness of preoperative planning, simulation osteosynthesis was performed on an individual printed model of the damaged bone. After completion of preoperative planning, all patients underwent osseous metallo-osteosynthesis in the first week after receiving the injury. In order to assess the effectiveness of the application of visualization techniques, a survey of the operating team was carried out regarding the informativeness of the conducted instrumental studies. Results. The average duration of surgical intervention among patients in the clinical group with standard preoperative planning was 105.9 ± 9.15 minutes. The average results of the survey of the surgical team after the surgical interventions in the specified clinical group were 21.2 ± 2.8 points. The average duration of surgery among patients of the second clinical group, whose preoperative planning included not only the assessment of MSCT results of the damaged segment, but also simulated osteosynthesis with the selection and application of optimal metal fixators, was 54.6 ± 7.14 minutes. The average results of the survey of the surgical team were 31.2 ± 1.7 points. Conclusions. The use of a combination of visualization technologies and 3D printing allows to reduce the time the patient spends in the operating room and increase the effectiveness of preoperative planning. Performing simulated osteosynthesis in the preoperative period allows you to develop an individual technique of repositioning bone fragments and use the optimal standard size of the cortical metal fixator with the distribution of the most favourable compression points of bone fragments

Outpatient regenerative therapy of a chronic diabetic foot ulcer with exposed bone surface

BACKGROUND: Treatment of deep chronic wounds with the bone tissue involvement against the background of lower limb atherosclerosis and diabetic foot syndrome does not fit any reasonable hospital stay duration and at the same time has no effective outpatient methods. Therapy with conditioned medium derived from human mesenchymal stem cells (CM-MSC) may be a solution for this problem. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Patient F., 77-year-old, arrived for an outpatient treatment of local necrosis in the area of the 1st toe of the left foot in April, 2022. The main diagnosis: Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities. Multifocal atherosclerosis. Occlusion of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries, diffuse lesions of the lower leg arteries on the left. Chronic arterial insufficiency of the 4th degree. Attempts of revascularisation of the left lower limb. Limited gangrene (Wagner IV) of the 1st toe of the left foot. Associated diseases: insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (for more than 30 years). Diabetic polyneuropathy. Diabetic foot syndrome, neurotrophic form. Local treatment was performed by the microsurgical debridement of the affected surface in combination with the method of multilayered dressings, according to the previously patented technology. The microsurgical treatment of the bone surface in the wound area was carried out with the use of CM-MSC. Positive dynamics in the form of a partial closure of the bone fragment with soft tissue was observed on the sixth month of therapy. The complete closure of the open bone fragment was observed in 12 months from the beginning of the outpatient treatment. CONCLUSION: The developed method of treatment using CM-MSC can be effective for chronic wounds with open bone surfaces.

The effect of anterior support screw (AS2) in unstable femoral trochanteric fractures: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to verify the effectiveness of Anterior Support Screw (AS2) for unstable femoral trochanteric fractures. DesignA multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial SettingThis study was conducted across 15 academic medical centers in Japan Patients/ParticipantsWe enrolled 240 cases of femoral trochanteric fractures with posterior crushing and intramedullary displacement of proximal bone fragments across 15 institutions in Japan. InterventionAll patients were subjected to a reduction in which the anterior cortex was brought into contact. The patients were randomly assigned to the anterior support screw group (AS2 group) and the non-screw group (control group). Main Outcome MeasurementsTwo computed-tomography (CT) scans were taken immediately after surgery and early postoperative period (day 14–21) to investigate the reduction loss rate of the anterior cortex and sliding distances in the early postoperative period. ResultsThe reduction loss rate was 4.5 % in the AS2 group and 16.8 % in the control group, indicating a significantly lower reduction loss rate in the AS2 group (p = 0.003). The average sliding distance was 1.8 mm in the AS2 group and 2.8 mm in the control group, indicating a significantly shorter sliding distance in the AS2 group (p < 0.0001). ConclusionAdding a screw in front of the intramedullary nail significantly reduces reduction loss, and maintains anterior bony contact. This study also showed that these screws suppress the sliding distance during the postoperative period. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level I.

A REVIEW OF ANIMAL MODELS FOR BONE FRACTURE NONUNION AND THEIR ROLE IN STUDYING BIOLOGICAL THERAPY EFFICACY

The bone healing impairment, such as non-union fractures after injuries of long bones, lead to loss of working capacity and result in significant financial costs, which emphasizes the socioeconomic significance of the problem. However, it is not known which method of modeling the non-union bone fractures is more optimal for further research into the effectiveness of biological therapy aimed at treating bone healing impairment. For a detailed study of methods of non-union fracture treatment of, it is necessary to determine the developed animal models. The objective was to analyze the existing animal models of fracture nonunion in long bones in vivo and to consider the possibility of their further use to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of modern biotechnologies for the in the management of fracture nonunion. It was found that the majority of developed animal models of atrophic long bone non-union were created using small animals, namely rats, mice, and rabbits. A more common method of modeling bone non-union is performing an osteotomy with the formation of a defect of different widths between the bone fragments and subsequent removal of the periosteum proximal and distal to the osteotomy site; damage to the endosteum or removal of bone marrow. Also, in such animal models, researchers use a silicone spacer, a polysulfone plate, or a latex-silicone foil to physically prevent fracture union. In these animal models, studies using mesenchymal stromal cells, platelet-rich plasma or bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) have already been conducted for the management of non-union bone fractures. At the same time, the clinical results of the application of various biological therapies are ambiguous, which determines the conduct of further experimental studies, in particular, in vivo. However, there are disagreements about which in vivo modeling methods give a reproducible result and prevent bone union, which determines the need for further analysis of existing modeling tools for conducting research in this direction.

Efficacy and safety of conservative treatment in patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures: a meta-analysis

Objective. To conduct a meta-analysis of studies focused on the conservative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures, and to determine the efficacy and safety of this method in the observed group of patients.Material and Methods. The study was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria for meta-analysis were as follows: availability of full-text version of the article in English or Russian; A3 or A4 type fractures according to the AOSpine classification, or burst fractures of types IIA, IIB or IIC according to the Denis classification, or a direct indication of the presence of a burst fracture without its classification; absence of neurological deficit; age over 18 years; detailed description of treatment outcomes or complications; and a follow-up for at least one year.Results. The meta-analysis included 29 articles describing the results of treatment of 1107 patients. At the time of admission, the following radiographic parameters were calculated for patients: mean kyphotic angle, 13.6 (95 % CI, 10.8–16.5), degree of vertebral body compression, 39.9 % (95 % CI, 27.7–52.0), and the degree of compression of the spinal canal lumen, 41.7 % (95 % CI, 29.2–54.2). A follow-up examination revealed a significant increase in segmental kyphosis by 3%, in vertebral body compression by 3.7 %, and lysis of bone fragments with a decrease in the degree of spinal canal stenosis by 2 times. The incidence of neurological deficit and progression of thoracic and lumbar spine instability was 5.8 % (95 % CI, 4.1–8.1) and 6.5 % (95 % CI, 4.5–9.3), respectively. Recovery of work ability according to Denis scale was as follows: W1 and W2 – 74.7 % (95 % CI, 63.9–83.1); W3 – 14.1 % (95 % CI, 10.2–19.3); and W4 and W5 – 14.8 % (95 % CI, 8.8–23.9).Conclusion. Conservative treatment of neurologically intact thoracolumbar burst fractures can be an effective and safe option if the angular deformity does not exceed 16 degrees and the anterior vertebral body compression rate is up to 52 %. With conservative therapy, a twofold reduction in spinal canal stenosis was observed due to the lysis of bone fragments. The pooled prevalence of radiculopathy or myelopathy with conservative therapy was 5.8 %. Orthopedic intervention due to the progression of instability of the damaged segment may be required in 6.5 % of patients. More than 90 % of patients returned to full-time work following conservative therapy. Comparative studieson the effectiveness of conservative therapy versus surgical treatment should be continued to form clear recommendations for the choice of treatment tactics for patients with uncomplicated fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Analysis of Calcaneal Avulsion Fractures Treated Surgically and Nonsurgically: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Calcaneal avulsion fractures (CAvFs) at the Achilles tendon insertion are among the more challenging fractures to treat. Although rare, they often require reoperation. The optimal treatment, including nonsurgical procedures and better implants for surgical procedures in the treatment of CAvFs, remains to be established. Therefore, our study aimed to (1) perform a descriptive evaluation of CAvFs, including cases managed nonsurgically, and (2) assess surgical procedures, including the incidence of complications and reoperation for surgically treated CAvFs. In this multicenter retrospective study, we collected data of patients with CAvFs treated at 9 hospitals from 2012 to 2022. We performed a descriptive study of CAvFs and compared postoperative complications and reoperation rates for multiple surgical techniques and implants. The size of the bone fragments was quantified. The data of 70 patients with CAvFs were analyzed; 20 patients were treated nonsurgically, and 50 were treated surgically. The mean age of patients was 68.5 years; 67% of the patients were female. Nineteen percent of the patients had diabetes, and 19% had osteoporosis. The incidence of postoperative complications was 30%, with infection in 14%, necrosis in 26%, and loss of reduction in 18%. The reoperation rate was 22%. Surgical techniques with use of cannulated cancellous screws were performed in 80% of the surgical cases. Cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) fixation alone resulted in a reoperation rate of 35%, whereas additional augmentation, including washers with CCS fixation, resulted in a reoperation rate of 10%. CCS fixation was successfully performed, although suture anchors were used in some cases with smaller fragments. CAvFs occurred more frequently in older women and had a high rate of postoperative complications. A combination of CCS with augmentation was more effective at reducing postoperative complications than CCS fixation alone, even when the bone fragment size was small. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

SEDIMENTOLOGIA, ESTRATIGRAFIA E MINERALOGIA DA FORMAÇÃO SOLIMÕES NO IGARAPÉ DIABINHO AFLUENTE DO RIO ENVIRA FEIJÓ-ACRE

The Igarapé Diabinho, is a tributary on the right bank of the Envira river, which is part of the Juruá river basin in the central region of the State of Acre (municipality of Feijó). It is in a U-type valley, carving out the sediments known as the Solimões Formation, considered as of Late Miocene to Pliocene age. In this stream, as well as in many regions of Acre, these sediments are partly covered by alluvial (fluvial-lacustrine) sediments from the Quaternary. The rocky exposures along the Diabinho stream show a succession of massive silt-clay sediments, green to cream in color, with vertical columnar concretions, scattered irregular calcite concretions, and gypsum venulations. These sediments are in turn covered by other compact sandy silts cemented by friable carbonates or even partially covered by a layer of horizontal discoid concretions of calcitic limestone. It is common in this area to locally occur accumulations of remains of fossil bones of vertebrates and plant trunks, constituting a basal conglomerate. For this study, three vertical stratigraphic profiles were described approximately 15 meters apart and rock samples were collected in addition to fossil bones along the profiles, which were subjected to granulometric analysis and mineralogical identification with the aid of X-rays diffraction (XRD), transmitted light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/SED) with semiquantitative analysis. The sediments have a silty-sandy grain size with little clay, manganese, and carbonate concretions. The main minerals identified in these sediments by XRD and optical microscopy in thin sections were quartz, smectite, kaolinite, illite, albite, microcline, muscovite, chlorite, and hematite. In fragments of fossil vertebrate bones, scanning electron microscopy and semiquantitative analyses allowed the identification of the presence of apatite as the main constituent in addition to the presence of calcite, rhodochrosite, siderite, goethite, hematite, and gypsum.

Cone‐beam computed tomography‐based descriptive classification for transverse root fracture

AbstractTransverse root fracture (TRF) is classified as a cervical, middle or apical third root fracture on a periapical radiograph. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) suggests that cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) should be considered, when conventional radiographs provide ‘insufficient’ information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Considering that CBCT can divulge additional information, it would be beneficial to have a clinically pertinent three‐dimensional classification for TRF. The proposed alphanumeric classification includes the traumatised tooth number, describes the number of TRF, the facial and lingual location of each fracture line on the anatomic root, and its position relative to the crest of the alveolar bone. Further, diastasis, displacement of the coronal fragment and status of the alveolar bone at the site of TRF are also documented. This comprehensive classification system would provide a standard format for reporting, aid in referral communication and can be applied for future outcome studies on TRF.

A Comparative Analysis on the Histomorphometric Pattern of Various Segments of Adult Male Long Bones: Forensic Implication

Abstract Background: Human bone analysis is a useful tool in assessing and identifying skeletal remains. To make this easier, newer and modified approaches have often being documented. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the histomorphometric features of various bone segments and its relevance in forensic case diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The human bones used were that of cadaveric bone samples harvested from three adult male Nigerians. The proximal, midshaft and distal segments of the femur, tibia, and humerus were utilized for the study. The bone sections were subjected to processing using Frost’s rapid manual preparation of ground sections techniques. Histomorphometric evaluation studied the number of primary osteons, secondary osteons, and osteon fragments, as well as the Haversian canal diameter (HCD). Results: The primary osteons, secondary osteons, osteon fragments, and HCD in each of the segments of the long bones show that the F values are less than the F critical for an alpha level of 0.05. This shows that there is no statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05) variation in the histomorphometric pattern for the various segments of the bones studied. Again differences in the haversian canal diameter of the various segments of the long bones shows statistically significant variation (P&lt; 0.05) among the long bones investigated. Conclusion: These findings have laid to rest the challenges with using the only available bone fragment for forensic case investigation as no notable variations exist across various segments.

Large Felid Tracks and Bones From Chilly Bowl Cave, Arkansas

Multiple large cat tracks were found within Chilly Bowl Cave, Arkansas, representing at least two individuals of the genus Panthera. Large felid bone fragments were also found in a passageway near the tracks. These poorly preserved skeletal remains primarily consist of metapodials and phalanges and represent the North American Pleistocene jaguar, Panthera onca. Fusion of metapodial epiphyses indicate adult foot size had been reached for this large jaguar. One set of tracks is also consistent with the size and morphology of P. onca. The other tracks are much larger than is known for extant or prehistoric jaguars, and are here attributed to Panthera atrox, the American lion. An alternate hypothesis for the smaller tracks is that they could represent a younger P. atrox instead of P. onca. Regardless of the inability to identify the smaller feline prints to species, these remains and tracks from Chilly Bowl Cave record cave utilization by two separate Pleistocene felids, interpreted here as jaguar and American lion.