Pig Bone Research Articles

Spatial and temporal changes of subchondral bone proceed to microscopic articular cartilage degeneration in guinea pigs with spontaneous osteoarthritis

This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal subchondral bone change of Dunkin-Hartley (DH) strain guinea pigs spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA) model at early stage with three-dimensional Microfocal Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) analysis, histology and immunohistochemistry. Knee joints of DH and Bristol Strain 2 (BS2) guinea pigs were analyzed at 1, 2 and 3 months of age for early staged subchondral bone ultrastructure change of OA by Micro-CT and histology. And cartilage degeneration was monitored by histological examination. In addition, expression of Osterix was quantified by immunohistochemistry. Microscopic cartilage degeneration was not found at first 3 months in both DH and BS2 guinea pigs. Subchondral bone sclerosis with trabecular ultrastructure turnover was characterized in subchondral bone of DH guinea pigs. Increased thickness, bone mineral density with decreased porosity were defined in subchondral plate of DH guinea pigs. Subchondral trabecular bone was found to be plate-like, convex and isotropy with higher bone volume. Histology confirmed the finding of lower porosity at osteochondral junction and increased bone volume. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the early OA subchondral bone change may be due to elevated level of osteoblast differentiation. Subchondral bone ultrastructure change occurred at early stage of OA ahead of microscopic cartilage degeneration, which may further impair articular cartilage. It was possibly related to elevated level of osteoblast differentiation.

Evaluation on Feasibility of Sintered Cattle Bone Powder as a Heavy Metal Adsorbent

Quite some bones of cows and pigs are discharged from home and restaurant industry as food wastes after cooking by boiling. This study conducted adsorption experiment of heavy metals using waste bones as an absorbent for recycling the waste bone and evaluated its feasibility. Sintered cattle bone (SCB) was manufactured in powder form after sintering at 550°C - 600°C and pulverizing, and crystal structure examined by XRD was similar to synthetic hydroxyl apatite. Adsorption equilibrium of single component such as Pb, Cd, and Zn was able to be expressed by isotherm equations of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips. Among them, Sips isotherm was accorded best. Also, IAST (ideal adsorbed solution theory) was used to predict multi-component adsorption equilibrium and correlation between those predicted values and empirical values was satisfactory. Adsorption affinity on SCB was in order of Pb, Cd, and Zn and it was corresponded with cases of activated carbon or synthetic hydroxyapatite. Finally, this study confirmed feasibility of SCB as an adsorbent of the heavy metal in real field of wastewater treatment.

Ex vivo perfusion of HLA‐E/CD46 transgenic pig limbs with human blood: evaluation of NK cell recruitment

In vitro, interactions between human NK cells and porcine endothelial cells (pEC) are characterized by NK cell recruitment and cytotoxicity.NK cells play a role in allo‐ and xenotransplantation due to the incompatibility of the MHC class I molecules expressed on transplanted cells and tissues on one hand, and the MHC class I specific inhibitory NK receptors of the recipient on the other hand. In this context we published previously that: (i) the expression of human HLA‐E on pEC partially protects from polyclonal huNK cytotoxicity and completely protects from killing by NKG2Abright NK clones in vitro; but does not affect the adhesion of huNK cells to pEC or the heteroconjugate formation between huNK and porcine cells (1, 2); (ii) lymphoblasts and pEC derived from HLA‐E/human beta2microglobulin transgenic pigs are effectively protected against huNK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and inhibit the secretion of IFN‐gamma by co‐cultured huNK cells in vitro, depending on CD94/NKG2A expression on the NK cells (3); (iii) HLA‐G expression on pEC protects partially against direct huNK cytotoxicity but not against ADCC (4); (iv) HLA‐G expression inhibits rolling adhesion of activated huNK cells on pEC (5, 6); (v) HLA‐Cw3 expression on pEC protects against NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (7), HLA‐Cw4 reduced NK cell adhesion and cytotoxicity; HLA‐Cw4 and HLA‐Cw3 co‐expression is not sufficient to completely overcome NK cytotoxicity via recognition of the KIR CD158a (KIR2DL1) and CD158b (KIR2DL2/3) receptors (8).The aim of this study was to evaluate NK cell recruitment and infiltration of porcine tissues using an ex vivo perfusion system of HLA‐E transgenic pig legs with human blood. Over the past year, a pilot study has been set up in order to establish an experimental protocol that would allow for the study and the evaluation of the rejection mechanisms occurring during xenotransplantation and especially following reperfusion of pig organs with human blood (9). Amputated pig legs were perfused with heparinised human blood over a period of 12h. Blood samples were collected at several time points and blood cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS) analysis.Two wild type and 2 HLA‐E/CD46 transgenic pig legs were perfused ex vivo. A strong diminution of NK cells was observed after 7 h of perfusion in both the wild type and the transgenic legs. However, this decrease occurred earlier in the wild type leg than in the transgenic. In addition, the apparition of a SLA‐I+ cells population of pig origin of higher granularity than the lymphocyte population over time was observed. We hypothesized that these cells could be pig endothelial cells detached from the vessel wall due to xenorejection, or alternatively originating from the pig bone marrow. These results confirmed previous in vitro studies demonstrating that pEC damage was mediated by human NK cells. Moreover, the expression of HLA‐E/CD46 provided a partial protection with regard to NK cell recruitment and tissue infiltration.From these preliminary experiments the following conclusions were drawn:Pig leg perfusion with human blood was feasible for up to 12 h with stable perfusion parameters thus extending the observation time compared to previously described pig kidney, lung and beating heart perfusion systems. pH and potassium were maintained at normal levels and muscle stimulation resulted in contraction throughout the entire perfusion. Thus the pig leg reperfusion system appears to be a stable and optimized system to study rejection mechanisms over several hours in the pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation setting.This system allows for the study of the dynamics of the different cell populations in the blood. Indeed, a strong diminution of NK, NKT and T cells was observed.In addition, this system enables to study the apparition of cells of pig origin in the circulating blood.In conclusion, this system represents a powerful tool to study the basic molecular mechanisms taking place in a setting of xenotransplantation, and in particular to evaluate the protection from early cell‐mediated rejection mechanisms in tissues originating from transgenic pigs.

Evaluation of five DNA extraction systems for recovery of DNA from bone

Five DNA extraction systems were assessed for their DNA extraction efficiency on samples of fresh pig bone. Four commercially available silica-based extraction kits (ChargeSwitch® gDNA Plant Kit (Life Technologies), DNA IQTM System Kit (Promega), DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen) and PrepFiler® BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit (Life Technologies)) and a conventional phenol-chloroform method were tested in this study. Extracted DNA samples were quantitated with GoTaq® qPCR Master Mix (Promega) using an Applied Biosystems® 7500 Real-Time PCR System and the extracts were amplified using an in-house multiplex system. The phenol-chloroform extraction produced higher yields of DNA than the silica-based extraction methods. Among the silica-based extractions ChargeSwitch® gDNA Plant Kit recovered the highest amounts of DNA. However, all methods produced DNA that could be amplified and none of the extracts contained any detectable inhibition.

Bismuth@US-tubes as a potential contrast agent for X-ray imaging applications

The encapsulation of bismuth as BiOCl/Bi2O3 within ultra-short (ca. 50 nm) single-walled carbon nanocapsules (US-tubes) has been achieved. The Bi@US-tubes have been characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Bi@US-tubes have been used for intracellular labeling of pig bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to show high X-ray contrast in computed tomography (CT) cellular imaging for the first time. The relatively high contrast is achieved with low bismuth loading (2.66% by weight) within the US-tubes and without compromising cell viability. X-ray CT imaging of Bi@US-tubes-labeled MSCs showed a nearly two-fold increase in contrast enhancement when compared to unlabeled MSCs in a 100 kV CT clinical scanner. The CT signal enhancement from the Bi@US-tubes is 500 times greater than polymer-coated Bi2S3 nanoparticles and several-fold that of any clinical iodinated contrast agent (CA) at the same concentration. Our findings suggest that the Bi@US-tubes can be used as a potential new class of X-ray CT agent for stem cell labeling and possibly in vivo tracking.

Dane archeozoologiczne z miejscowości Bocień (stanowisko 5) do poznania gospodarki ludności kultury ceramiki wstęgowej rytej na ziemi chełmińskiej

During rescue excavations curried out in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie section of A1 motorway in Chelmza commune, animal bone remains were found in Bocien, site 5. The only homogenous and simultaneously the most numerous assemblage (1115 NISP) were bones collected in features of the linear band pottery culture (LBPC) – phase II and III. They were registered within the range of an space-function areas I, II and S of the settlement (fig. 1, appendix 1). The material presented significant predomination of domestic mammals, mainly cattle, clearly smaller bones of pig, sheep/goat and dog. Wild mammals are represented by red deer, elk, roe deer and aurochs. Reptile remains belonged to European pond turtle. Teeth and head bones were the most numerous cattle elements’ specimens. Some of cattle, pig, sheep/goat and dog bones bore traces of shallow and narrow pits after using blades (knives) of stone (fl int). The others registered black coloring, which was the result of meat or bone marrow roasting. The collection also consisted of examples with work traces (fragments of red deer and elk antlers) and bone tools (chisel – made of metatarsal) and plates’ fragments. The excavated fauna collection became the grounds for interpretation, referring to the following questions: a) genesis of the studied fauna finds, b) significance of domestic species in manufacturing raw material of animal origin, c) strategies implemented in manufacturing raw material of animal origin, d) some features of natural environment of the settlement surrounding and e) Neolithic morphotypes of Chelmno Land animals. Population inhabiting the settlement produced food of animal origin by breeding. Utilization of natural fauna resources, e.g. aurochs, deer, roe-deer and wild horses (probably tarpan) was clearly smaller. Animal economy was based on cattle, which belonged to aurochs like form ( Bos primigenius ), analogous to cattle sizes from Kuyavia and settlements of linear band pottery culture populations inhabiting the areas of present Germany. Meat and bone marrow obtained of it was prepared for consumption by roasting it in fire. Cow milk was not important food product, because at least half of herds’ populations was slaughtered at juvenis and subadultus ages. Keeping ruminants, species suitable for grazing, resulted from open grassy spaces existence. However, the settlement was also surrounded by forests, what is confirmed by red deer and aurochs presence in the material. A part of the land was soppy, grown with temporate broadleaved forests, perfect for elks existence. The performed exploration and analyses deliver evidence, that local population inhabiting the settlement related in their economic strategy to cultural rules obligatory in wider space, e.g. in Kuyavia. Zooarchaeological sources from Bocien, as first in Chelmno Land delivered the grounds for analyses of cattle individual age and its morphological forms. Moreover, thanks to anatomical composition analysis we were able to indicate the settlement spatial zones, basing on observations made by the means of archaeological data.

KRT8, FAF1 and PTH1R gene polymorphisms are associated with leg weakness traits in pigs

The liability to lesions of dysfunctions of bone and joints in pigs, summarized as leg weakness and mostly expressed as osteochondrosis, is an animal welfare and economic issue in pig production. The objective of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the functional and positional candidate genes keratin 8 (KRT8), Fas-associated factor 1 (FAF1) and parathyroid hormone type I receptor (PTH1R) and to evaluate their association with leg weakness traits. Therefore, osteochondrosis lesions were scored in animals of a Duroc × Pietrain F2 population (DuPi; n = 310) and commercial herds of the breed Large White (n = 298). In addition, bone mineralization traits were observed in DuPi population. SNPs were identified in genes KRT8 (g.8,039G > A), FAF1 (g.380,914T > C) and PTH1R (c.1,672C > T). KRT8 showed significant association with bone mineral density and content (P ≤ 0.05). FAF1 was association with OC lesions score of all joints inspected (P ≤ 0.05). PTH1R showed significant dominance effects on OC lesion scores of the distal femur articular cartilage (P = 0.01) and epiphysis of the distal ulna (P = 0.05) as well as sums of scores of all joints (OCsum, P = 0.04) and assignment to groups of either severely or gently affected animals (OCcat, P = 0.01). This study reveals clear genetic-statistical evidence for a link of KRT8, FAF1 and PTH1R with some of leg weakness related traits in pigs.

Alternate Light Sources in the Detection of Bone After an Accelerated Fire: A Pilot Study

This study examines the ability of alternate light sources to detect bone that has been exposed to fire when identification of bone remains is difficult to ascertain. It is intended as a tool for fire investigators to quickly determine whether an area should be considered a forensic scene. After being subjected to a test burn, pig bones were viewed and photographed with the use of a laser, and later compared with a UV light source. A secondary study observing stages of a human cremation was conducted to assess how various levels of burnt flesh affect the ability of bone to fluoresce utilizing a laser. Both studies demonstrated success in detecting bone while fluorescing with a molten lava type of appearance that has the potential to distinguish bone from its surrounding environment. Limitations and recommendations are discussed by the author including the need for future studies to expand on this research.

Effect of a plasmaelectrolytic coating on the strength retention of in vivo and in vitro degraded magnesium implants

The strength decrease in magnesium implants was studied in vitro and in vivo, with and without a protective plasmaelectrolytic coating. In vivo, degradation was examined by implanting rectangular plates on top of the nasal bone of miniature pigs. The presence of gas pockets in the soft tissue surrounding the implants was evaluated with intermediate X-rays and computed X-ray tomography scans before euthanasia. After 12 and 24weeks of in vivo degradation, the large rectangular plates were removed and mechanically tested in three-point bending. In vitro, identical plates were immersed in simulated body fluid for 4, 8 and 12weeks. In vitro and in vivo results showed that onset of gas release can be delayed by the plasmaelectrolytic coating. Mass loss and strength retention during in vivo degradation is about four times slower than during in vitro degradation for the chosen test conditions. Despite the slow degradation of the investigated WE43 alloy, the occurrence of gas pockets could not be completely avoided. Nevertheless, uniformity of degradation and reliable strength retention make this alloy a prime candidate for the use of magnesium in cranio-maxillofacial surgery.

Pädiatrische Frakturdiagnostik – Ultra-low-dose-CT mit der effektiven Dosis von Röntgenaufnahmen

Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in trauma diagnosis in children, especially for complex fractures. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic value of ultra-low-dose-CT (ULD-CT) with an effective dose equal to that of radiographs in an experimental study and to compare its results with those of radiographs. Limb bones of dead young pigs served as a model for pediatric bones. A total of 51 fractured and non-fractured bones were examined with a 64 multislice-CT with a standard dose protocol as gold standard, with two ultra-low-dose-protocols, and with standard radiographs with different exposures. In spite of high background noise the examinations of ULD-CT were not adequate only in 2 of 204 cases. ULD-CT was slightly superior to radiographs in detection of fractures. ULD-CT could significantly better characterize the fractures than radiographs. The overall result of ULD-CT was significantly better than that of radiographs with standard exposure. ULD-CT with the effective dose of radiographs is successfully applicable in pediatric fracture diagnosis, and its overall result is significantly better than that of radiographs.

An Investigation of Model Forensic Bone in Soil Environments Studied Using Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy has been used to examine changes to bone chemistry as a result of soil burial. Pig carcasses were buried as part of a controlled field study, and pig bone was used in soil environments established in the laboratory. The variables of species type, bone pretreatment, soil type and pH, moisture content, temperature, and burial time were investigated. The crystallinity index (CI) and the organic and carbonate contents of the bones were monitored. The data revealed decreasing trends in the organic and carbonate contents and an increase in the CI of the bone with burial time. An acidic soil environment and soil type are the factors that have the most influence on bone chemistry as a result of burial. The study demonstrates the potential of infrared spectroscopy as a straightforward method of monitoring the changes associated with aging of bones in a variety of soil environments.

Comparison of thoracic wall behavior in large animals and human cadavers submitted to an identical ballistic blunt thoracic trauma

BackgroundSeveral models of ballistic blunt thoracic trauma are available, including human cadavers and large animals. Each model has advantages and disadvantages regarding anatomy and physiology, but they have not been compared with identical ballistic aggression. MethodsTo compare thoracic wall behavior in 40-kg pigs and human cadavers, the thorax of 12 human cadavers and 19 anesthetized pigs were impacted with two different projectiles at different speeds. On the thoracic wall, the peak acceleration, peak velocity, maximal compression, viscous criterion, and injury criteria (e.g. abbreviated injury scale and number of rib fractures) were recorded. The correlations between these motion and injury parameters and the blunt criterion were compared between the two groups. The bone mineral density of each subject was also measured. ResultsThe peak acceleration, the peak velocity and the viscous criterion were significantly higher for the pigs. The AIS and the number of rib fractures were significantly higher for human cadavers. The bone mineral density was significantly higher for cadavers, but was, for the two groups, significantly lower than for 30-year-old human. ConclusionThe motion of the pig's thoracic wall is greater than that of the human cadaver, and the severity of the impact is always greater for human cadavers than for pigs. In addition, pig bone is more elastic and less brittle than older human cadaver bone. Due to the bone mineral density, the thoracic wall of human adults should be more rigid and more resistant than the thoracic wall of human cadavers or pigs.

Evidence for Differential Ancient DNA Survival in Human and Pig Bones from the Norse North Atlantic

Current models of DNA degradation and previous research on Icelandic human skeletons predict ancient DNA preservation in the Norse North Atlantic faunal remains to be excellent. In contrast, we found that DNA preservation in Viking-Age pig remains was poor. We posit that this discrepancy in DNA survival between human and faunal remains is due to differing taphonomies. Our results highlight that DNA degradation is strongly dictated by micro-environmental taphonomic processes even in regions where the climate is conducive to DNA survival. Due to these differences, DNA preservation in animal remains may not be suitable proxies for DNA preservation in associated human remains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Interrelationships between Morphometric, Densitometric, and Mechanical Properties of Mandible in 6-month-old Male Pigs

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate interrelationships between final body weight, and morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical properties of the mandible in 6-month-old Polish Large White pigs exposed to dexamethasone and nanocalcium. The study was performed on 27 males, castrated on the 28th d after weaning, and reared until the age of 6 months, after which the animals were slaughtered, and the mandible was obtained. The pigs were divided into four experimental groups: animals given per os nanopartical calcium, animals injected with dexamethasone, animals given both nanopartical calcium per os and dexamethasone injections, and animals injected with placebo. After the slaughter, morphological properties of the mandible such as bone weight and length were determined. Using computed tomography technique, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the cortical bone (Cd), mean volumetric bone mineral density (MvBMD), and total bone volume (Bvol) of whole mandible were measured. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content were evaluated with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric method. Using three-point bending test, mechanical parameters such as maximum elastic strength (Wy) and ultimate strength (Wf) of mandible were estimated. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was determined between all the investigated variables. The obtained results showed a significantly positive correlation between body weight and mandible weight, mandible length, Bvol, Cd, BMD, BMC, Wy, and Wf. However, statistically insignificant correlations of MvBMD and body weight, mandible weight, mandible length, and Bvol were observed. Furthermore, Bvol and Cd were not found to be significantly correlated. In conclusion, this study showed numerous positive correlations between final body weight and densitometric, morphometric, and mechanical properties of the mandible. This bone of pigs may be used as an attractive model for further investigation on metabolic response of the skeleton to physiological, nutritional, toxicological, and pharmacological factors influencing bone tissue metabolism.

Pig Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Resemble Human Macrophages in Their Response to Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide

Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) grown in M-CSF (CSF-1) have been used widely in studies of macrophage biology and the response to TLR agonists. We investigated whether similar cells could be derived from the domestic pig using human rCSF-1 and whether porcine macrophages might represent a better model of human macrophage biology. Cultivation of pig bone marrow cells for 5-7 d in presence of human rCSF-1 generated a pure population of BMDM that expressed the usual macrophage markers (CD14, CD16, and CD172a), were potent phagocytic cells, and produced TNF in response to LPS. Pig BMDM could be generated from bone marrow cells that had been stored frozen and thawed so that multiple experiments can be performed on samples from a single animal. Gene expression in pig BMDM from outbred animals responding to LPS was profiled using Affymetrix microarrays. The temporal cascade of inducible and repressible genes more closely resembled the known responses of human than mouse macrophages, sharing with humans the regulation of genes involved in tryptophan metabolism (IDO, KYN), lymphoattractant chemokines (CCL20, CXCL9, CXCL11, CXCL13), and the vitamin D3-converting enzyme, Cyp27B1. Conversely, in common with published studies of human macrophages, pig BMDM did not strongly induce genes involved in arginine metabolism, nor did they produce NO. These results establish pig BMDM as an alternative tractable model for the study of macrophage transcriptional control.

Labeling of Porcine Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) with MRI contrast agent Ferex for use in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Models

IntroductionReliable methods of labeling and tracking MSCs are necessary to allow non‐invasive evaluation of their effects on aneurysm. Ferex is a super paramagnetic iron compound that when placed intracellularly, can be identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to evaluate Ferex as an in vivo cellular label in Porcine AAA models.MethodsMSCs were isolated from the pig's bone marrow via ficoll plaque separation and expanded in culture. MSCs were incubated with 100ug/ml conc. of Ferex and a cationic transfecting agent, Poly‐L‐Lysine (PLL). Around 10 million Ferex labeled MSCs were then transplanted to the pig after a surgery that induced AAA. MRI was performed at 3 Tesla three times over a two week time period post surgery at day 4, 7 and 14 respectively. A longitudinal survey scan was performed to locate the AAA within the tissue. Time‐of‐Flight (TOF) and T2 weighted images were obtained to evaluate the vasculature and flow with in the AAA as well as to identify the iron laden cells within the arterial wall. Following the T2‐weighted scan, T2*‐weighted multiple echo gradient echo sequences were applied in order to quantify the signal on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis.ResultsAs shown in Figure 1, the iron labeled cells were visible (as signal loss) at all time points post transplant. T2* values strongly indicate that the iron cores remained within the labeled stem cells (and were not exocytosed and/or phagocytosed by other cells). The percent relative change in the normal arterial wall was 0.8 +/− 2%, respectively for all time points tested. Figure 2 summarizes the results obtained from the Perl's’ staining. Strong correlation between the in vivo MR signal and iron deposition (blue color on Perl's) was observed.ConclusionThe results clearly support the hypothesis and show that it is possible to detect iron over a two week time interval post transplant accompanied by strong correlation between MR and histology.

Similarities and differences in aspirated tracheobronchial foreign bodies in patients under the age of 3 years

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical pathological features of aspirated tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) cases in children under the age of 3years and to improve the level of diagnosis and treatment. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted examining 316 children under the age of 3years who had been treated for tracheobronchial FB in Shenzhen children's hospital between January 2004 and December 2008. We analyzed the patients for gender, age, FB localization, treatment history, the history of foreign body aspiration (FBA), the type of foreign body and the cause of death. In addition, each patient was analyzed for FB-related complication, the results of bronchoscopic removal and the presence of foreign bodies in the airways. ResultsFifty-two infants under the age of one year (median age=10m, group A), 199 children between the ages of 1 and 2years (median age=17m, group B) and 65 children between the ages of 2 and 3years (median age=30m, group C) were included in this study. There were 38 (73.1%) patients with a confirmed history of FBA in group A, a higher percentage than that observed in group B (55.8%) or group C (53.8%) (P<0.05). Earthnuts were the most common cause of FB (171 cases, 54.1%). Melon seeds (including sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds and pumpkin seeds) were the second most common cause of FB (62 cases, 19.6%). Animal sources (including 16 pig bones, 8 fish bones, 7 chicken bones and 4 other animal-based foods) comprised 11.1% (35 cases) of FB cases and were the third most common cause of FB. The percentage of animal-based FBs observed in group A was higher than in groups B and C (P<0.01). Five inorganic FBs (a pushpin, a rubber band, a screw, a small stone and a plastic toy) were also observed and were the least common type of FB. There were no significant differences in the distribution of FBs between the left (41.8%) and right (40.5%) bronchia. There is no difference in the distribution of FBs among the three groups either. The data show that the youngest cohort of patients (0–1years) is the most likely to be sent to the hospital to receive treatment within 24h of aspiration (50%) (P<0.01). Five patients (1.58%) died as the result of FBA. ConclusionsFBAs of animal-derived FBs (especially animal bones) are very common in infants in southern China. Children between the ages of 1 and 2years are most likely to suffer from FBA. FBA in children under the age of 3years carries significant hazards, including morbidity and mortality. Asphyxia and/or cardiopulmonary arrest is prone to occur shortly after FBA in infants, but these events can occur days later in older children after FBA because of delays in the diagnosis and/or treatment of this condition.

A spectroscopic approach to monitor the cut processing in pulsed laser osteotomy

During laser osteotomy surgery, plasma arises at the place of ablation. It was the aim of this study to explore whether a spectroscopic analysis of this plasma would allow identification of the type of tissue that was affected by the laser. In an experimental setup (Rofin SCx10, CO(2) Slab Laser, wavelength 10.6 μm, pulse duration 80 μs, pulse repetition rate 200 Hz, max. output in cw-mode 100 W), the plasma spectra evoked by a pulsed laser, cutting 1-day postmortem pig and cow bones, were recorded. Spectra were compared to the reference spectrum of bone via correlation analysis. Our measurements show a clear differentiation between the plasma spectra when cutting either a bone or a soft tissue. The spectral changes could be detected from one to the next spectrum within 200 ms. Continuous surveillance of plasma spectra allows us to differentiate whether bone or soft tissue is hit by the last laser pulse. With this information, it may be possible to stop the laser when cutting undesired soft tissue and to design an automatic control of the ablation process.

Radiocarbon reservoir effects in human bone collagen from northern Iceland

Human bone collagen from a series of Icelandic human pagan graves was radiocarbon (14C) dated to aid understanding of early settlement (landnám) chronologies in northern Iceland. These individuals potentially consumed marine protein. The 14C age of samples containing marine carbon requires a correction for the marine 14C reservoir effect. The proportion of non-terrestrial sample carbon was quantified via measurement of carbon stable isotopes (δ13C) using a simple mixing model, based on δ13C measurements of archaeofaunal samples. Non-terrestrial carbon was also quantified in six pig bones from the archaeofaunal dataset. Assuming all non-terrestrial carbon in human and pig bone collagen was marine-derived, calibrated age ranges calculated using a mixed IntCal09/Marine09 calibration curve were consistent with an early settlement date close to landnám, but several samples returned pre-landnám age ranges. Measurements of nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) strongly suggest that many of the human bone collagen samples contain freshwater diet-derived carbon. Icelandic freshwater systems frequently display large freshwater 14C reservoir effects, of the order of 10,000 14C years, and we suggest that the presence of freshwater carbon is responsible for the anomalously early ages within our dataset. In pig samples, the majority of non-terrestrial carbon is freshwater in origin, but in human samples the proportion of freshwater carbon is within the error of the marine component (±10%). This presents a major obstacle to assessing temporal patterns in the ages of human remains from sampled graves, although the majority of grave ages are within the same, broad, calibrated range.

Hematoma intramural esofágico

Esophageal intramural hematoma The most common presentation of esophageal hematoma is pain, dysphagia and hematemesis. We report two patients with the condition. A 77 years old female presenting with retrosternal pain and odynophagia after ingesting a pig bone. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a lineal hematoma, protruding to the lumen in the upper portion of the esophagus. The patient was managed with nil per os (NPO) and parenteral hydration and discharged 72 hours later. An 87 years old male presenting with two episodes of hematemesis and weight loss, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a dissecting hematoma involving the entire esophageal wall. The patient was managed with NPO and hydration and discharged in good conditions 11 days after admission.