Bone Characteristics Research Articles

Evaluation and Optimization of physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics of 3D printed Whitlockite/Calcium Silicate composite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration using Response Surface Methodology.

Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based bioscaffolds are used for bone tissue regeneration because of their physical and chemical resemblance to human bone. Calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and silicon are important components of human bone. The successful biomimicking of human bone characteristics involves incorporating all the human bone elements into the scaffold material. In this work, Mg-Whitlockite (WH) and Calcium Silicate (CS) were selected as matrix and reinforcement respectively, because of their desirable elemental composition and regenerative properties. The magnesium in WH increases mineralization in bone, and the silicon ions in CS support vascularization. The Mg-Whitlockite was synthesized using the wet chemical method, and powder characterization tests were performed. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used to design the experiments with a combination of material compositions, infill ratios, and sintering temperatures. The WH/CS bioceramic composite is 3D printed in three different compositions: 100/0, 75/25, and 50/50 wt%, with infill ratios of 50%, 75%, and 100%. The physical and mechanical characterization study of printed samples is conducted and the result is optimized using RSM. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used to establish the relationship between input parameters and responses. The optimized input parameters were the WH/CS composition of 50/50 wt%, infill ratio of 50%, and sintering temperature of 1150°C, which bring out the best possible combination of physical and mechanical characteristics. The RSM optimized response was a density of 2.27 g/cm3, porosity of 36.74%, wettability of 45.79%, shrinkage of 25.13%, compressive strength of 12 MPa, and compressive modulus of 208.49 MPa with 92% desirability. The biological characterization studies were conducted for the scaffold samples prepared with optimized input parameters. The biological studies confirmed the capabilities of the WH/CS composite scaffolds in bone regenerative applications.&#xD.

Bone measurements interact with phenotypic measures in canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disease with weakness, loss of ambulation, and premature death. DMD patients have reduced bone health, including decreased femur length (FL), density, and fractures. The mdx mouse model has paradoxically greater FL, density, and strength, positively correlating with muscle mass. Bone morphology has not been extensively studied in the genetic homolog, golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). The aim of this study was to compare bone and muscle characteristics in GRMD dogs to understand their relationship to muscle function and density. We hypothesized that GRMD bone measurements would be altered similarly to DMD and would correlate with muscle strength and density. Eighteen variably aged and mixed gender dogs (6 each dystrophic, carrier, normal) were studied by computed tomography (CT) and bone measures were compared with various muscle functional measurements. FL, density, and volume and muscle density of several pelvic limb muscles were assessed. Dystrophic dogs showed some boney and muscle density changes on CT analysis compared to carriers and normal dogs. In GRMD, bone measurements were highly correlated with several other functional outcome measures, including eccentric contraction decrement, hip joint angle, and muscle volume/density. This novel experiment demonstrates an impact of dystrophy on bone outcome measures and provides observations on their correlation with functional outcomes.

Radiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic characteristics of bone for clinically normal laying hens in a free-range housing system.

Laying hens are increasingly being kept in backyard flocks and considered family pets; however, diagnostic imaging characteristics of bone for clinically normal backyard hens are currently limited. This prospective, descriptive study was to describe radiographic, computed tomographic, and histologic characteristics of bone for a group of clinically normal laying hens housed in conditions comparable to those of backyard flocks. Sixteen 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens were included. Hens were housed in a free-range unit with outdoor access at a university research and teaching farm. Hens were defined as clinically normal by the farm manager and a veterinary researcher in laying hen behavior and welfare. Findings from the horizontal beam, left lateral, sternal radiographs (n=16), postmortem, and whole-body CT scans (n=4) were recorded by a veterinary radiologist and a research technician. Histologic findings for sternal, femoral, and tibiotarsal bone samples (n=5) were recorded by a veterinary pathologist. The most frequent radiographic findings for the sternal carina (keel bone) were smoothly marginated concave deviations of the ventral margin and caudal section fractures. Multiple punctate mineral opacities (PMOs) were present in radiographs and CT images for all hens and were involved in the sternal carina and multiple other bones in the axial and appendicular skeleton. No bone abnormalities were identified in any histologic sections where PMOs were radiographically detected. Authors propose that PMOs are normal radiographic and CT findings in the bones of mature, laying hens and may represent temporary calcium reservoirs formed during osteoclastic activities.

Associations of Habitual Skeletal Loading with Bone Changes During the Menopausal Transition: A Follow-up Study.

While weight-bearing physical activity (PA) benefits bone health, it remains unclear whether PA can counteract hormone-driven menopausal bone deterioration. This secondary analysis of a population-based prospective follow-up study examined changes in bone health indicators around menopause and evaluated whether accelerometer-measured habitual skeletal loading is associated with these changes. A total of 189 initially perimenopausal women without estrogen therapy (mean age 52 [SD 2] years) were followed until they became postmenopausal (mean follow-up time 15 [9] months). Femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured with dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Femoral and tibial shaft volumetric BMD (vBMD), cross-sectional geometry, and stress-strain index (SSI) were assessed using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in a subset of 61 women. Habitual skeletal loads (mean daily osteogenic index [OI] and low, medium, and high-intensity impact counts) were evaluated with multiple-day free-living accelerometry records. Longitudinal associations of habitual skeletal loads and bone outcomes were analyzed with GEE models. Consistent decreases were observed in FN BMD and BMC, and femoral and tibial shaft vBMD and SSI (p < 0.001) over the follow-up. Slight decreases over the follow-up were also observed in OI and medium impacts in the full sample, and medium and high impact counts in the subsample (p < 0.05). Medium impacts were associated with tibial shaft vBMD and SSI (β = 0.204, 95% CI [0.018, 0.391] and β = 0.077 95% CI [0.000, 0.154], respectively). High impacts were associated with femoral shaft vBMD (β = 0.186 95% CI [0.006, 0.366]. However, no association was observed between habitual skeletal loads and changes in bone characteristics over the follow-up. We observed a rather uniform skeletal response to the menopausal transition at all measured bone sites. Positive associations were found between medium and high-intensity impacts and bone characteristics at the femoral and tibial shafts. However, habitual skeletal loading did not seem to counteract bone deterioration during the menopausal transition.

Impact of supplemental exogenous phytase and total calcium-to-total phosphorus ratios on growth performance, mineral utilization, and bone characteristics in broiler chickens fed soybean meal as the sole source of dietary phosphorus

Calcium (Ca) most significantly influences the bioavailability of plant-derived phosphorus due to its formation of phytate-Ca chelates. A study was designed to examine the interactive effects of graded total Ca-to-total P ratios (Ca:P) and phytase on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of P and bone characteristics in diets formulated with soybean meal as the sole source of P. Male broiler chickens were fed 6 semi-purified diets prepared in a 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 levels of phytase (0 or 1,000 FYT/kg of diet) and 3 levels of Ca:P (1.1, 2.0, or 2.8) for 72 hours from d 18 to 21 post hatching. Birds were assigned to the experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages per treatment. Increasing the Ca:P linearly decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the SID of P from 54 to 40%, whereas the supplementation of phytase improved the SID of P from 26 to 67%. The supplementation of phytase increased (P &lt; 0.05) the bone-breaking strength, whereas tibia ash was decreased (P &lt; 0.05). The results demonstrate that the adverse effect of increasing Ca:P on P utilization in a soybean meal-based diet is consistent with or without phytase supplementation.

Efficacy of dietary supplementation with 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol on performance, eggshell quality, serum metabolites, jejunal morphology and bone characteristics of laying hens at the late stage of production

The present study evaluated the effects of 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol (1αOHD3) supplementation on performance, egg quality, gut morphology, serum metabolites, and bone characteristics of Lohman LSL-Lite laying hens. A total of 180 birds (110 weeks of age) were allocated according to a completely randomized design with five treatments. Each treatment had six replicates containing six hens each. The treatments consisted of basal diet with 2000 IU/kg vitamin D3, basal diet supplemented with 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 μg/kg of 1αOHD3. Results showed that dietary supplementation with 1αOHD3 increased the egg production (linear P = 0.002 and quadratic P = 0.009) and gross revenue (linear P = 0.042) whilst it decreased the abnormal eggs (linear P = 0.004 and quadratic P = 0.009) in aged laying hens. Similarly, it linearly and quadratically increased the shell thickness and eggshell strength (P < 0.001). Egg mass (linear P = 0.075) showed a tendency to increase with increasing dietary 1αOHD3 supplementation levels. The egg quality parameters, including Haugh unit, relative weight of albumen, yolk and eggshell were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05). Furthermore, 1αOHD3 supplementation increased the serum levels of calcium (linear P = 0.003 and quadratic P = 0.011), albumin (linear P = 0.016 and quadratic P = 0.033), vitamin D (linear and quadratic P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase activity (linear P = 0.02) whilst the addition of 1αOHD3 decreased alkaline phosphatase activity (linear P = 0.003 and quadratic P = 0.011), without affecting the serum levels of phosphorus and aspartate aminotransferase activity (P > 0.05) in laying hens. In addition, the linear tendency to increase was observed (linear P = 0.062) in total protein. Dietary supplementation of 1αOHD3 increased the tibia diameter (linear P = 0.053), tibia calcium (linear P = 0.004 and quadratic P = 0.014) and tibia strength (linear and quadratic P < 0.001). The addition of 1αOHD3 did not affect the phosphorus and ash of the tibia (P > 0.05). Linear and quadratic responses were found for crypt depth (linear and quadratic P = 0.001) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (linear P = 0.004 and quadratic P = 0.010). The experimental treatments did not affect the jejunal villus height, villus width and villus surface area in aged laying hens (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the inclusion of 1αOHD3 is beneficial, as it enhances egg production, profitability, eggshell thickness, and tibia quality while reducing the incidence of abnormal eggs during the later phase of egg production.

Influence of LED light spectra and photoperiods on performance, bone characteristics and related genes expression in broiler breeders

ABSTRACT 1. Lighting is a crucial environmental factor in poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of light-emitting diodes (LED) on performance and several bone characteristics, including bone mineralisation, morphometry, histology and selected gene expression in broiler breeders. 2. A total of 800 one-d-old female broiler breeder chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to one of 20 light-proof pens and reared under green (GL) or white (WL) LED light for two photophases (8 or 12 h) in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment and compared to a control group (incandescent lamp at 8 L:16D duration; CON). Weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Femoral and tibial characteristics were measured. 3. The LED colour affected feed intake during the rearing period, being higher for birds under white compared to green light. Tibial calcium (Ca) concentration in WL birds was lower than for green LED lighting regimens but not different from the CON group (p ≤ 0.05). Birds under 12 h lighting had greater tibia bone dry matter and trabecular separation (mm) than those in the 8 h groups. However, bone volume fraction and trabecular number per mm in 8 h birds were higher than in 12 h groups (p ≤ 0.01). There was greater expression of the osteocalcin gene under WL compared with CON. Osteopontin expression in WL8 was 4.63 times greater than in the CON group (p ≤ 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase gene expression in WL12 was higher than in the CON group (p ≤ 0.05). 4. Exposure to white and green LED spectra enhanced bone gene expression and mineralisation, respectively, without adverse effects on bird performance. Thus, LED light may be beneficial to broiler breeder bone traits.

Identification of differences in digestive organ weight, bone mineral concentration, and ileal transcriptomic profiles of low and high weight broiler chicks

Abstract A growth monitoring study (0–7 day of age) was conducted involving 87, one-day old Ross 308 male broilers to evaluate organ weights, bone parameters and ileal transcriptomic profile of broiler chicks as influenced by day 7 bodyweight (BW) grouping. The chicks were raised in a deep-litter house under common controlled environmental conditions and commercial starter diet. Chicks were grouped on day 7 into two distinct BW, super performer (SP) and under performer (UP) with bodyweights &gt;260, and &lt;200 g respectively. Results revealed that the SP chicks had significantly higher bone ash, sodium (Na), phosphorus (P) and rubidium (Rb) concentrations compared to the UP chicks on D7. In contrast, the UP chicks had significantly higher tibial cadmium (Cd), caesium (Cs) and lead (Pb) compared to the SP group; the UP chicks also had proportionally heavier relative gizzard weight than the SP chicks. The ileal transcriptomic data revealed differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the two groups of chicks, with 150 upregulated and 83 down-regulated genes with a fold change of ≥1.25 or ≤ 1.25 in the SP chicks relative to the UP chicks. Furthermore, functional annotation and pathway analysis revealed that some of these DEG were involved in various pathways including calcium signalling, Wnt signalling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis. This study revealed that chicks of the same breed and of uniform environmental and diet management exhibited differences in digestive organ weights, tibial bone characteristics and ileal gene expression that may be related to BW.

Influence of Bone Conditions on the Accuracy of Implant Placement.

This study aimed to assess the influence of cortical bone thickness, bone density, and residual ridge morphology in the posterior mandibular area on the accuracy of implant placement using tooth-supported digital guides. The research included 75 implants from 55 patients. Each patient underwent a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for image analysis. Simplant® Pro 17 software (SIMPLANT Pro 17.01) was utilized to measure cortical bone thickness, bone density, and residual ridge morphology at the implant sites. Subsequently, 3Shape Trios software (3Shape TRIOS Design Studio 1.7.19.0) was applied to delineate optimal implant positions and design tooth-supported surgical guides. After implant treatment, the linear and angular deviations from the planned placement were quantified. Multiple linear regression, Kruskal-Wallis test, Conover-Iman test, and Bonferroni adjustment were conducted to investigate the impact of bone characteristics on implant placement precision. The tooth-supported digital guides used in this study were sufficient to fulfill the precision criteria for implant treatment. Bone density was found to significantly influence the buccal-lingual angular deviation, mesio-distal linear deviation, and mesio-distal angular deviation (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant variances were noted in the coronal deviation, apical deviation and depth deviation in buccal-lingual orientation, coronal deviation, and apical deviation in mesio-distal orientation across various residual ridge morphologies (p < 0.05). Low bone density and S-shape morphology may affect the accuracy of implant placement using tooth-supported surgical guides.

Prenatal Exposure to a Human Relevant Mixture of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Affects Mandibular Development in Mice.

Mandible is a bony structure of neuroectodermal origin with unique characteristics that support dentition and jaw movements. In the present study, we investigated the effects of gestational exposure to a mixture of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on mandibular growth in mice. The mixture under study (Mixture N1) has been associated with neurodevelopmental effects in both a human cohort and animal studies. Pregnant mice were exposed throughout gestation to 0.5× (times of pregnant women's exposure levels), 10×, 100× and 500× of Mixture N1, or the vehicle, and the mandibles of the male offspring were studied in adulthood. Micro-CT analysis showed non-monotonic effects of Mixture N1 in the distances between specific mandibular landmarks and in the crown width of M1 molar, as well as changes in the mandibular bone characteristics. The alveolar bone volume was reduced, and the trabecular separation was increased in the 500× exposed mice. Bone volume in the condyle head was increased in all treated groups. Τhe Safranin-O-stained area of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes and the width of their zones were reduced in 0.5×, 10× and 100× exposed groups. This is the first indication that prenatal exposure to an epidemiologically defined EDC mixture, associated with neurodevelopmental impacts, can also affect mandibular growth in mammals.

Sex prediction through machine learning utilizing mandibular condyles, coronoid processes, and sigmoid notches features.

Characteristics of the mandible structures have been relevant in anthropological and forensic studies for sex prediction. This study aims to evaluate the coronoid process, condyle, and sigmoid notch patterns in sex prediction through supervised machine learning algorithms. Cephalometric radiographs from 410 dental records of patients were screened to investigate the morphology of the coronoid process, condyle, and sigmoid notch and the Co-Gn distance. The following machine learning algorithms were used to build the predictive models: Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting Classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptron Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). A 5-fold cross-validation approach was adopted to validate each model. Metrics such as area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 Score were calculated for each model, and ROC curves were constructed. All tested variables demonstrated statistical significance (p < 0.10) and were included in the construction of the predictive model. The Co-Gn variable stood out as the most important among the evaluated independent variables, showing greater relevance in three of the four algorithms used in assessing feature importance. In the analysis of the models' performance, the AUC ranged from 0.82 [95% CI = 0.72-0.93] to 0.66 [95% CI = 0.53-0.76] for the test data, and from 0.83 [95% CI = 0.80-0.87] to 0.71 [95% CI = 0.61-0.75] for cross-validation. The precision of the models ranged from 0.83 [95% CI = 0.75-0.91] to 0.68 [95% CI = 0.58-0.78] in the test phase, and from 0.78 [95% CI = 0.74-0.82] to 0.69 [95% CI = 0.65-0.75] in cross-validation. The SVM, KNN, and Gradient Boosting Classifier algorithms stood out with the highest AUC and precision values in both cross-validation and testing. The use of condyle, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch characteristics, in combination with supervised machine learning predictive models, shows potential for contributing to sex prediction based on morphometric bone characteristics, particularly regarding the distance between the condyle and gnathion. However, given the study's limitations, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Population-specific femur models: A step towards improved osteosynthetic biomechanical testing in orthopaedics

BackgroundBiomechanical testing using synthetic bone surrogates has become a standard method for evaluating osteosynthesis techniques. However, these surrogates often fail to account for population-specific variations in bone anatomy and mechanical properties, leading to limitations in predicting clinical outcomes. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a population-specific synthetic femur model for older women of European ethnicity, incorporating variations in geometry and mechanics observed in this demographic. MethodsThe femur model was developed using a statistical shaping algorithm and 3D models from women aged 75 to 85 years. Synthetic femora were fabricated using polyurethane, enriched with fillers and additives to mimic osteoporotic bone characteristics. Mechanical testing, including axial compression, four-point bending, and torsion, was performed on synthetic femora and were validated against human osteoporotic femora. FindingsThe synthetic femora demonstrated comparable mechanical properties to human osteoporotic femora, particularly in flexural and torsional rigidity. Axial stiffness was slightly lower in the synthetic femora but remained within the range of literature values. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between synthetic and human bones in certain parameters, highlighting the need for population-specific models. InterpretationThe developed synthetic femur model offers a promising solution for addressing the limitations of current bone surrogates in biomechanical testing. By incorporating population-specific characteristics these models provide a more accurate representation of human bone, improving the validity of biomechanical evaluations and potentially leading to more equitable treatment outcomes in orthopaedics. Further research is warranted to explore the applicability of these models across different populations and anatomical sites.

Reducing the Brace Correction Stress on the Secondary Lumbar Curve Results in Excellent Muscle, Bone, and Disc Mechanical Performance: A Musculoskeletal Finite Element Simulation of AIS Patient With Rigo A3.

The biomechanical mechanism of brace intervention on bone, muscle, and disc should be comprehensively considered for AIS patients. We aimed to developmentally construct a musculoskeletal finite element model of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to simulate the coupling of corrective forces and analyze the mechanical properties of bone, muscle, and disc. Investigateing, more effective clinical interventions to break the vicious cycle of patients during growth. A finite element model, including muscle, bone, and disc, was established using computed tomography data of a patient with RigoA3 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The three-point force coupling, antigravity, and bending effects of the Chêneau brace were simulated, and the correction force of the secondary lumbar bend was gradually reduced while observing the mechanical characteristics of bone, muscle, and disc. The correction force in line with symmetrical spine growth was comprehensively evaluated. The correction rate of the main thoracic (MT) curve, the intervertebral space height on the concave side of the vertebrae at the apex, and the stress ratio of the intervertebral discs were optimal when the maximum corrective pressure threshold was reached. However, the proximal thoracic (PT) curve was aggravated and the axial forces on the concave side were unbalanced. At this time, the biomechanical performance of the model is also not optimal. The correction rate of the Cobb Angle of the MT curve decreased with the decrease of the correction pressure in the lumbar region. When reduced to 25% of the maximum threshold, the convex side of disc stress, intervertebral space, and muscle axial force is more in line with the biomechanical mechanism of correction and can avoid sacrificing the PT curve. Downward adjustment of the corrective force to the secondary lumbar curve, using the Chêneau brace, results in better primary thoracic curvature mechanics in the musculoskeletal finite element model, suggesting that breaking the vicious cycle of scoliosis progression to guide benign spinal growth is beneficial.

The Effects of Shrimp Waste Added to Broiler Diets on Growth Performance, Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics, Intestinal Morphology, Bone Traits, and Fatty Acids in the Meat.

Recycling animal waste is crucial for the circular economy, promoting environmental and sustainability. This study aimed to assess the impact of shrimp waste added to broiler diets on growth performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology, bone traits, and fatty acids in the meat. In the study, 315 ROSS-308 male broiler chicks were utilised as the animal subjects. The experiment consisted of five groups based on the timing and amount of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) waste addition to their diet (Control [C], 1% added the first 11 days [1% FED], 1% added during fattening [1% DF], 2% added during the first 11 days [2% FED], 2% added during fattening [2% DF]). The differences in body weight, body weight gain, total feed intake and total feed conversion ratio, carcass parameters, relative internal organ weights, and fatty acids of thigh and breast meat among the groups were found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). The addition of shrimp waste to the diet only significantly affected the VH/CD ratio in the jejunum, with the C group showing a lower ratio (p < 0.05). Adding shrimp waste to the diet only affected the seedor index of the femur among the characteristics of the leg bones, and an interaction between the period and the group was observed for this trait (p < 0.05). According to the results, up to 2% shrimp waste can be added to the diet without adversely affecting broiler performance, carcass quality, villus and bone properties, and fatty acid composition. The use of shrimp waste in feed can benefit the broiler industry and protect to environment.

Fracture severity dependence of bone and muscle performance in patients following single or multiple vertebral fractures.

Few studies focus on the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and biological characteristics of bone and muscle of multiple vertebral fractures, which are associated with a more poor prognosis compared with single fracture. To compare the BMD, bone turnover, muscularity, fatty infiltration of muscle, and prevalence of co-morbidities in patients with single and multiple vertebral fractures. We recruited 100 patients with single fracture (age 66.96 ± 8.24 years) and 100 with multiple fractures (age 69.90 ± 7.80 years); performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar vertebrae; and measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, muscularity, and fatty infiltration. Patients with multiple vertebral fractures had lower hip BMD (p=0.010) than those with single fractures, but there was no difference in femoral neck and lumbar vertebral BMD nor in muscularity. However, fatty infiltration, an indicator of muscle quality, was significantly higher in participants with multiple fractures (p=0.006). Diabetes was significantly more common in patients with multiple fractures (p=0.042). There were no significant differences in markers of bone turnover, and Seperman analyses showed no correlations of CTX-1 or tPINP with the BMD of the hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine. However, high CTX-1 was associated with high tPINP (r=0.4805; p<0.0001), and marked fatty infiltration was associated with low hip, lumbar vertebral, and femoral neck BMD. Cox regression analyses showed that age (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.016-1.101; p=0.006) and low hip BMD (OR 0.016; 95% CI, 0.000-0.549; p=0.022) were associated with a higher risk of multiple fractures. Patients with multiple fractures tend to have lower hip BMD, a history of type 2 diabetes, and more substantial fatty infiltration of muscle than in those with single fractures. Age and hip BMD rather than lumbar vertebrae BMD were found to be independent risk factors for multiple vertebral compression fractures, implying that hip BMD may be a more sensitive predictor for multiple vertebral fractures. More improvements in hip BMD and focus on older persons may be useful means of preventing multiple fractures.

Role of tumor-specific and whole-body imaging biomarkers for prediction of recurrence in patients with stage III colorectal cancer.

Imaging biomarkers are emerging as non-invasive predictors of cancer prognosis and clinical outcome. We assessed tumor-specific ("radiomics") and body composition imaging features ("morphomics") extracted from baseline pre-treatment CT for prediction of recurrence in patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with newly diagnosed stage III CRC were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients with available preoperative scans were included (N = 101). The tumor, if visible, was manually segmented and first-order radiomics features were extracted with a commercially available software. The morphomics features (reflecting muscle, fat, and bone characteristics) were extracted in a standardized fashion using a proprietary software and the values were adjusted and normalized based on a reference standard. Time to recurrence was the final outcome. Correlation between demographics, clinical features, radiomics, and morphomics features and outcome were assessed using univariate and multivariate tests as well as Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Morphomic analysis was performed in all 101 patients. 60 patients had discrete tumors suitable for radiomics analysis. These patients had lower ECOG score (p < 0.05), more muscle mass (p > 0.05), and lower fat density (p > 0.05) compared to the patients in whom radiomics analysis could not be performed. Pathological stage (HR: 2.69; p = 0.03), CEA level after surgery (HR: 1.11 for 1ng/mL; p < 0.005), bone mineral density (HR: 1.01 for 1 Hounsfield Unit; p < 0.01), and tumor skewness (HR: 0.33 for 1 unit; p < 0.05) had association with recurrence based on both univariate and multivariate analyses. A model using Cox's regression analyses was able to divide the patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk for recurrence. Both radiomics and morphomics features were independently associated with the risk of CRC recurrence and, when combined, each contributed valuable information to explain risk of recurrence. Clinical trial.gov NCT02842203. Patient recruitment occurred between 22/07/2016 and 18/03/2020.

Three-dimensional assessment of the skeletal characteristics accompanying unilateral maxillary canine impaction: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

BackgroundEnvironmental and genetic factors associated with canine impaction have been extensively researched, whereas the bone characteristics in the impaction area have not been thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the objective of this investigation was to provide a skeletal assessment in terms of bone density, bone microstructure, bone volume, and palatal volume in subjects with unilaterally impacted maxillary canines.MethodsA retrospective design has been employed to address the aim of this study, where the initial pre-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 30 patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction were assessed. The obtained patients’ data were equally divided according to the location of the impaction into 2 groups, one with buccally impacted canines, and another with palatal impactions, with the contra-lateral sides in both groups serving as the controls. Skeletal measurements such as bone density (BD), bone microstructure in terms of fractal dimension (FD), maxillary bone volume (MBV), and palatal volume (PV) were evaluated from the acquired CBCTs in both groups and compared to the controls.ResultsWith buccal impactions, significantly greater BD and FD have been reported (p < 0.001), whereas non-significant differences were found regarding the PV when compared with controls (p = 0.56). MBV was significantly greater on the non-impaction side in comparison with buccal impaction sides (p < 0.001). For palatal impactions: BD, FD, and MBV were significantly greater on the impaction sides (p < 0.001), and conversely with PV which has been reported to be significantly greater on the non-impaction sides (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAs per the obtained results, buccally impacted canines are associated with greater BD and FD, and less MBV, whereas palatally impacted canines are accompanied with greater BD, FD, and MBV, in addition to less PV, when both conditions are compared with the non-impaction sides.

Grouper bone nano-calcium and substitution long-chain triglyceride (LCT) into medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) enhanced calcium bioavailability and rat’s bone density

BACKGROUND: The most effective strategy to prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis in the old life is to consume an adequate amount of calcium from childhood through adulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the bioavailability of CaCO3 which is the standard non-dairy calcium supplementation with grouper bone nano-calcium (GBN) combined with various percentages of Long-Chain Triglyceride (LCT) into Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) on calcium bioavailability and rat’s bones density. METHODS: This study was carried out during the rat’s growth period, from the weaning until the rats reached 16 weeks. Thirty-five weaned rats were separated into seven groups and fed varied feeds for 12 weeks. The seven groups of feed were (1) CCa: standard feed AIN-93G, (2) C0: standard calcium deficient feed (without calcium), (3) G0: GBN + MCT:LCT 0 : 100%, (4) G25: GBN + MCT:LCT 25 : 75%, (5) G50: GBN + MCT:LCT 50 : 50%, (6) G75: GBN + MCT:LCT 75 : 25%, and (7) G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0%. Parameters observed were serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, femur bone characteristics, bone microarchitecture by histomorphometry, micro computed-tomography (μCT), and mechanical strength. RESULTS: The CCa and G100 groups had the best dietary results based on all parameters. The G100 group was superior to CCa in calcium and phosphorus bioavailability, rat’s bone strength and density. CONCLUSIONS: G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0% group feed beneficially affected the bioavailability of calcium, was letting he rat’s bones to develop properly, had high density, and been strong throughout the growth phase.

Circulating Baseline CXCR3+Th2 and Th17 Cell Proportions Correlate With Trabecular Bone Loss After 48 Weeks of Biological Treatment in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The high prevalence of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is due to inflammation that stimulates differentiation of osteoclasts, a process involving circulating monocytes and T cell-derived factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate relations between circulating monocytes, T cell subsets, and changes in bone characteristics before and after treatment with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in RA. Thirty patients with untreated early RA who met the American College of Rheumatology/EULAR 2010 criteria were included. Data were collected before and 48 weeks after treatment with methotrexate (MTX) together with one of three bDMARDs (abatacept, tocilizumab, or certolizumab pegol). Disease activity was measured using the Clinical Disease Activity Index, swollen or tender joint counts, C-reactive protein levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. Proportions of monocyte and CD4+ T cell subsets in blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Bone densitometry was performed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). HR-pQCT revealed an overall decrease in cortical (P = 0.009) and trabecular (P = 0.034) bone mineral density, although a subset of patients showed no bone loss after 48 weeks of treatment. The overall bone loss was not associated with age, body mass index, sex, intraarticular glucocorticoid injections, or baseline disease activity. Loss of trabecular bone volume fraction correlated with high proportions of circulating CXCR3+Th2 cells (r = -0.38, P = 0.04) and CXCR3+Th17 cells (r = -0.36, P = 0.05) at baseline. Similarly, no loss of trabecular bone volume fraction correlated with high proportions of regulatory T cells (r = 0.4, P = 0.03) at baseline. However, the associations were not significant when corrected for confounders and multiple testing. MTX together with bDMARDs efficiently reduce disease activity but only prevent bone loss in a subset of patients with RA after 48 weeks of treatment. The correlations of circulating baseline T helper cell and regulatory T cell populations with trabecular bone changes suggest a potential novel role for these cells in systemic bone homeostasis during early RA.

Vertebral cortical thickness and cortical bone density: an automated CT assessment - towards enhanced spine segmentation

ABSTRACT In this paper a non-invasive method using routine CT scan to assess the vertebral geometry through normalised Cortical Thickness (CTh) and Cortical Bone Density (CBD) is proposed. This paper aims to propose a new automated method to segment cortical bone and measure its thickness and local density. This method were then used as a tool to compare these parameters between different vertebra models (in-vivo, cadaver and swine) and vertebra levels. An automated technique to segment cortical bone was proposed, assuming a two Gaussian bone density distribution. 42 vertebrae (3 high-thoracic, 3 low-thoracic and 1 lumbar vertebra for each subject) from three sub-groups (human in-vivo, cadaver and swine) were investigated. In the human in-vivo sub-group, the vertebral level was shown to influence normalised CTh and CBD. The CBD was found uniform within all the functional areas of the vertebral body (p > 0.05), while the normalised CTh showed significant differences (p < 0.001). Both CBD and normalised CTh showed significantly different between the inferior articular processes area and the posterior arch area d (p < 0.02 *). In each of the three sub-groups (human in-vivo Vs cadaveric Vs swine), normalised CTh and CBD were found significantly different across most functional areas (p < 0.001 ***). The proposed method offers an automated and accurate way of measuring cortical thickness and cortical bone density. Vertebra level and vertebra function areas were found to have influences on both proposed cortical bone characteristics. The influence of the vertebral level and of the vertebral functional areas on normalised CTh and CBD were reported within in-vivo and two vertebral models. Such a methodology could be used as a tool for image-guided surgery.