Bone Characteristics Research Articles

Custom-Made Horizontal and Vertical Maxillary Augmentation with Smartbone® On Demand™: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Case

The presence of non-sufficient bone height and width requires an increase in the amount of bone available to insert an implant. Different materials are described in the literature, and the “custom-made bone graft approach” is a modern option which currently requires a preoperative stage of studying the bone defect and designing the implant. SmartBone® (SB®) mimics the characteristics of healthy human bone. Thanks to the strong performance, high workability, resistance and shape retention of SB®, it is possible to obtain SmartBone® on DemandTM, a bone graft uniquely shaped exactly to patient specifications, produced by following the data precisely and contoured to the bone defect site. The aim of this study was to determine the success over 7 years following a customized SmartBone® on DemandTM, a xeno-hybrid bone graft and installation of implants in a maxillary horizontal and vertical atrophy. This case study presents the diagnosis for a 60-year-old male patient requesting the rehabilitation of his edentulous maxilla with dental implants. Preoperative evaluation included the study of photographs, a radiological examination and 3D reconstruction to assess the missing bone, implant size, positioning of implants and anatomical landmarks. Rehabilitation included the insertion of a custom-made xeno-hybrid bone block into the maxilla in order to restore the anatomy prior to the implants’ placement. The newly developed bone substitute SB® is a safe and effective material, and its custom-made variant SmartBone® on DemandTM has been shown to be a valid alternative to traditional autologous bone grafting techniques in terms of accuracy, absence of infection/rejection and overall clinical outcome.

Determination of skeletal tumor extent: is an isotropic T1-weighted 3D sequence adequate?

To test the hypothesis that an accelerated, T1-weighted 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE sequence with isotropic voxel size offers a similar performance to conventional T1-weighted 2D TSE (turbo spin echo) for the evaluation of bone tumor extent and characteristics. Thirty-four patients who underwent 3-T MRI with 3DT1 (CAIPIRINHA SPACE TSE) and 2DT1 (TSE) were included. Sequence acquisition time was reported. Two radiologists independently evaluated each technique for tumor location, size/length, tumor-to-joint distance, signal intensity, margin/extraosseous extension, and signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios. Tumors were located in long (20/36, 55.5%) and pelvic (16/36, 44.4%) bones. 3DT1 sequence required an average acquisition time of 235 s (± 42 s, range 156-372), while two plane 2DT1 sequences combined (coronal and axial) had an average acquisition time of 381 s (± 73 s, range 312-523). There was no difference in the measurements of tumor length and tumor-to-joint distance (p = 0.95) between 3DT1 and 2DT1 images. Tumors were hypointense (17/36, 47.2% vs 17/36, 47.2%), isointense (12/36, 33.3% vs 12/36, 33.3%), or hyperintense (7/36, 19.4% vs 7/36, 19.4%) on 3DT1 vs 2DT1, respectively. Assessment of tumor margins and extraosseous extension was similar, and there was no difference in tumor SNR or CNR (p > 0.05). An accelerated 3D CAIPIRINHA SPACE T1 sequence provides comparable assessments of intramedullary bone tumor extent and similar tumor characteristics to conventional 2DT1 MRI. For the assessment of bone tumors, the isotropic volume acquisition and multiplanar reformation capability of the 3DT1 datasets can obviate the need for 2DT1 acquisitions in multiple planes. • 3DT1 offers an equivalent performance to 2DT1 for the assessment of bone tumor characteristics, with faster and higher resolution capability, obviating the need for acquiring 2DT1 in multiple planes. • There was no difference in the measurements of tumor length and tumor-to-joint distance obtained on 3DT1 and 2DT1 images. • There was no difference in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measures between 3DT1 and 2DT1.

Chondrogenic Bone Tumors: The Importance of Imaging Characteristics.

Chondrogenic tumors are the most frequent primary bone tumors. Malignant chondrogenic tumors represent about one quarter of malignant bone tumors. Benign chondrogenic bone tumors are frequent incidental findings at imaging. Radiological parameters may be helpful for identification, characterization, and differential diagnosis. Systematic PubMed literature research. Identification and review of studies analyzing and describing imaging characteristics of chondrogenic bone tumors. The 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system differentiates between benign, intermediate (locally aggressive or rarely metastasizing), and malignant chondrogenic tumors. On imaging, typical findings of differentiated chondrogenic tumors are lobulated patterns with a high signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ring- and arc-like calcifications on conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT). Depending on the entity, the prevalence of this chondrogenic pattern differs. While high grade tumors may be identified due to aggressive imaging patterns, the differentiation between benign and intermediate grade chondrogenic tumors is challenging, even in an interdisciplinary approach. · The WHO defines benign, intermediate, and malignant chondrogenic bone tumors. · Frequent benign tumors: osteochondroma and enchondroma; Frequent malignant tumor: conventional chondrosarcoma. · Differentiation between enchondroma versus low-grade chondrosarcoma is challenging for radiologists and pathologists. · Pain, deep scalloping, cortical destruction, bone expansion, soft tissue component: favor chondrosarcoma. · Potential malignant transformation of osteochondroma: progression after skeletal maturity, cartilage cap thickness (> 2 cm adult; > 3 cm child). · Potentially helpful advanced imaging methods: Dynamic MRI, texture analysis, FDG-PET/CT. · Engel H, Herget GW, Füllgraf H et al. Chondrogenic Bone Tumors: The Importance of Imaging Characteristics. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 262 - 274.

Examining the effects of adding boric acid at different doses into mixed feed on fattening performance, carcass characteristics, and bone quality of Japanese quails

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding different doses of boric acid (H3BO3) to the mixed feed of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) on fattening performance, carcass and bone properties. For this purpose, a total of 96 quails aged 15 days were balanced according to their live weight and sex, and 4 trials were randomly divided into groups. Each group is composed of 4 repetitions. Trial groups; the control group (C) given mixed feed, the group with 100 mg / kg boric acid (BA) added to the feed BA100; 300 mg / kg boric acid was added to the feed group BA300 and 500 mg / kg boric acid added to the feed group BA500. Data for the fattening period were followed for 15-43 days. At the end of the experiment, carcass and bone characteristics of 8 quails (two quails from each repeat) from each group were examined. The live weight and live weight gain of the quail was similar among the experimental groups (P>0.05). Adding boric acid to feed did not affect feed consumption and feed utilization rate (P>0.05). While the breast rate decreased significantly due to the increasing levels of boric acid addition (P<0.01), an increase in the back and neck ratio was detected (P <0.05). The highest thigh ratio was found in BA300 and BA500 groups (P<0.05). Carcass yield, wing and liver rates were similar between the groups (P>0.05). Tibia and femur weights and dimensions were not affected by the addition of boric acid (P>0.05). The highest femoral ash level was determined in the BA300 group (P=0.05). The tibia ash level increased from the Control group towards BA300 and was the lowest in the BA500 group (P<0.05). As a result, while the addition of boric acid to the feed cannot be affected to the fattening performance of quail, its effect on carcass and bone properties has been found significant.

Comparative analysis of the lateral and posterolateral trajectories for fixation of the sacroiliac joint\u2014a cadaveric study

BackgroundA number of minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion solutions for placing implants exist, with reduced post-operative pain and improved outcomes compared to open procedures. The objective of this study was to compare two MIS SI joint fusion approaches that place implants directly across the joint by comparing the ilium and sacrum bone characteristics and SI joint separation along the implant trajectories.MethodsNine cadaveric specimens (n = 9) were CT scanned and the left and right ilium and sacrum were segmented. The bone density, bone volume fraction, and SI joint gap distance were calculated along lateral and posterolateral trajectories and compared using analysis of variance between the two orientations.ResultsIliac bone density, indicated by the mean Hounsfield Unit, was significantly greater for each lateral trajectory compared to posterolateral. The volume of cortical bone in the ilium was greater for the middle lateral trajectory compared to all others and for the top and bottom lateral trajectories compared to both posterolateral trajectories. Cortical density was greater in the ilium for all lateral trajectories compared to posterolateral. The bone fraction was significantly greater in all lateral trajectories compared to posterolateral in the ilium. No differences in cortical volume, cortical density, or cancellous density were found between trajectories in the sacrum. The ilium was significantly greater in density compared with the sacrum when compared irrespective of trajectory (p < 0.001). The posterolateral trajectories had a significantly larger SI joint gap than the lateral trajectories (p < 0.001).ConclusionUse of the lateral approach for minimally invasive SI fusion allows the implant to interact with bone across a significantly smaller joint space. This interaction with increased cortical bone volume and density may afford better fixation with a lower risk of pull-out or implant loosening when compared to the posterolateral approach.

A Novel Corn-Expressed Phytase Improves Daily Weight Gain, Protein Efficiency Ratio and Nutrients Digestibility and Alters Fecal Microbiota in Pigs Fed with Very Low Protein Diets.

Simple SummaryFeeding pigs with very low crude protein (CP) diets with reduced calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) may be an effective strategy to decrease the nutrient excretion; however, this practice can negatively impact the growth performance of animals. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve the utilization of nitrogen, Ca and P in pigs. This study aimed to assess the effect of a novel corn-expressed phytase on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, gut microbial population, bone mineral density and content and blood metabolites in nursery pigs fed with low-CP, -Ca, and -P diets. Supplementation of very low protein diets with a corn-expressed phytase decreased the negative effects of these diets on average daily gain and protein efficiency ratio of pigs, increased the digestibility of Ca and P regardless of the levels of these minerals in the diet, improved bone characteristics and altered the fecal bacterial composition. This study suggests that corn-expressed phytase can be potentially useful for improving the growth performance of weaned pigs fed with low protein diets and should be considered for sustainable swine production. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a novel corn-expressed phytase (CEP) on growth, nutrients digestibility, bone characteristics and fecal microbiota of pigs fed with very low-protein, -calcium (Ca) and -phosphorous (P) diets. Forty-eight barrows were subjected to 6 groups for 4 weeks: positive control-adequate protein (PC), negative control-reduced protein (NC), NC + low-dose CEP, i.e., 2000 FTU/kg (LD), NC + high-dose CEP, i.e., 4000 FTU/kg (HD), LD with 0.12% unit reduced Ca and 0.15% unit reduced available P (LDR), and HD with 0.12% unit reduced Ca and 0.15% unit reduced available P (HDR). Compared to NC, LD and HDR had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and gain:protein ratio (G:P), HD and HDR had greater apparent fecal digestibility of Ca and P and bone mineral density and LDR and HDR had lower serum osteocalcin. The feces of LD was enriched in Lachnospiraceae, while the HD had a higher abundance of Succinvibrio and LDR had a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and Actinobacteria. In conclusion, supplementation of protein-restricted diets with a CEP decreased their negative effects on ADG and G:P ratio, increased the digestibility of Ca and P regardless of the levels of these minerals in the diet, improved bone characteristics and produced differential effects on fecal bacterial population.

Response of modern broiler chickens to dietary calcium and phosphorus levels below recommendations

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate-phosphorus (NPP) levels on performance, carcase yield and bone mineralisation of modern broilers. 11,200 one-day-old chicks (Ross-308) were divided into 7 treatments and 8 replicates with standard recommended level and six different levels of Ca and NPP reduction with completely randomised block design. Treatments were divided into following diets; T1: ross recommended control, T2: 94%, 95% and 91% as percentage of T1, T3: 94%, 95% and 83% as percentage of T1, T4: 94%, 91% and 83% as percentage of T1, T5: 94%, 91% and 77% as percentage of T1, T6: 94%, 86% and 83% as percentage of T1 and T7: 94%, 86% and 77% as percentage of T1 for starter, grower and finisher periods, respectively. Results showed that, the Ca and NPP reduction (T2–T7) through starter period did not significantly (p>.05) affect performance but when considered whole period, quadratically (p<.05) improved body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European Production Efficiency (EPEF). In line with, Ca and NPP intakes were decrease linearly and quadratically with Ca and NPP reducing in diet and higher intakes at T1 resulted in impaired BWG and FCR. On the other hand, carcase parameters and tibia mineralisation were not significantly affected by the reductions. In conclusion, Ca and NPP requirements of Ross 308 broilers seem to be lower than the Aviagen 2014 and 2019 recommendations and reducing almost 20% Ca and NPP intake of broilers is possible, especially after starter period, to maintain performance without any negative effect on bone development. Highlights Excessive dietary Ca and P feeding have potential deleterious effects on broilers. Dietary Ca and NPP reduction improved growth performance, without impairment bone characteristics. Especially after starter period, Ca and NPP reduction, by keeping the dietary levels as 0.90:0.45, 0.75;0.38 and 0.60;0.30% for starter, grower and finisher phase respectively, seems enough for Ross-308.

Bone diagenesis in the loess deposits of Central Europe: the Celtic site of Radovesice in Bohemia

The diagenetic modifications of archaeological bones from the Celtic site of Radovesice (Czech Republic) were described combining histological and instrumental analysis with infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The post-mortem changes in microstructure, mineral and organic fraction of human bones were related to seasonal fluctuations in water saturation and temperature, reflecting the Atlantic influence on the continental climate system of this transitional area of Eastern-Central Europe. The effects of a burial environment characterised by a well-oxygenated soil with good hydraulic conductivity, which evolved from the Quaternary loess deposits of the Bohemian massif, led to a common diagenetic pathway, which comprised micro-fissuring, mineral dissolution and degradation of collagen by microbial activity, followed by secondary calcite deposition under mildly alkaline conditions. Observed intra-site variations reflected changes in the early taphonomic history or in microenvironmental conditions, such as prolonged acidic conditions hindering apatite reprecipitation, as well as secondary calcite crystallisation. Diffuse effects of surface abrasion by sediments and absence of brown staining did not support the hypothesis of extensive use of wooden coffins. New indexes obtained from 31P and 1H NMR, respectively, were employed to describe diagenesis. They were found to correlate with FT-IR indexes, although reflecting distinct structural characteristics of bone which are not accessible to FT-IR.

Dual 3D Printing for Vascularized Bone Tissue Regeneration

The development of sufficient vascular networks is crucial for the successful fabrication of tissue constructs for regenerative medicine, as vascularization is essential to perform the metabolic functions of tissues, such as nutrient transportation and waste removal. In recent years, efforts to 3D print vascularized bone have gained substantial attention, as bone disorders and defects have a marked impact on the older generations of society. However, conventional and previous 3D printed bone studies have been plagued by the difficulty in obtaining the nanoscale geometrical precision necessary to recapitulate the distinct characteristics of natural bone. Additionally, the process of developing truly biomimetic vascularized bone tissue has been historically complex. In this study, a biomimetic nano-bone tissue construct with a perfusable, endothelialized vessel channel was developed using a combination of simple stereolithography (SLA) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing systems. The perfusable vessel channel was created within the SLA printed bone scaffold using an FDM printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sacrificial template. Within the fabricated constructs, bone tissue was formed through the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), and distinct capillaries sprouted through the angiogenesis of the endothelialized vessel channel after human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) had been perfused throughout. Furthermore, the fabricated constructs were evaluated in physiologically relevant culture conditions to predict tissue development after implantation in the human body. The experimental results revealed the effectiveness of our dual 3D printing approach in fabricating biomimetic bone tissue with an ideal matrix environment for improved tissue regeneration.

Three-dimensional imaging study on the anatomical morphology of trabecular bone of the condyle based on the distribution of volume of interests

Objective: To analyze the anatomical morphological characteristics of the trabecular bone of human mandibular condyle by observing the distribution of volume of interests (VOI). Methods: The micro-CT images of a right condyle specimen of a 61-year-old adult male was analyzed in this study. The cylindrical VOI with both diameter and height of 2 mm were arranged, according to a certain pattern, as many as possible at various levels within the trabecular bone of the condyle. Each VOI had no intersection area. The selected VOI were divided into 5 parts: medial part, middle part, lateral part, anterior part and posterior part, with 6 layers from top to bottom. And the distribution of the overall anatomical morphological characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) images of the trabecular bone of the condyle was analyzed by using seven morphological parameters of each VOI, i.e. bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), bone surface area/bone volume (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone number (Tb.N), trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) and trabecular bone pattern factor (Tb.Pf). Results: In the present study, totally 34 VOI were selected from the condyle specimen.The morphological distribution of the VOI was uneven in the 3D structure of the trabecular bone of the human condyle. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N and Tb.Th were much higher at the middle part, while showed the smallest at the medial part. The anterior part demonstrated much higher parameters than the posterior part at the first, second, fifth and sixth layers, respectively, however, the posterior part showed much higher parameters than the anterior part at the third and fourth layers, respectively. The BMD was much higher at the first [(332.66±97.11) mg/cm3] and sixth [(255.79±45.68) mg/cm3] layers, while the lowest at the second layer [(255.79±41.06) mg/cm3]. The BV/TV and Tb.N were much higher at the first layer, with the lowest at the fifth layer. The Tb.Th at the first layer [(0.11±0.03) mm] was much higher than the others, which were similarly lower. The BS/BV, Tb.Sp and Tb.Pf were lower at the first layer and much higher at the medial and lateral parts, while were lower at the middle and anterior parts. The posterior part demonstrated much higher BS/BV, Tb.Sp and Tb.Pf than the anterior part at the first, fifth and sixth layers, respectively. However, the anterior part showed much higher scores than the posterior part at the third and fourth layers, respectively. The ANOVA results showed that the 7 morphological parameters of VOI were not statistically significant amongst the 6 layers (P>0.05). However, the 6 out of the 7 parameters, i.e. BV/TV, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, Tb.Sp and Tb.Pf, were statistically significant amongst the five parts (P<0.05), while the only parameter of BMD was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: The anatomical distribution characteristics of the trabecular bone of condyle were analyzed by using 3D imaging measurement based on the VOI. The results showed uneven distributions and indicated that the method of dividing the trabecular bone of mandibular condyle into VOI sets, which accorded with its specific anatomical characteristics, was feasible for further reference.

Application of 3D U-net in automatic segmentation of middle ear surgery structures in temporal bone CT

Objective:To study the feasibility of fully automatic segmentation of labyrinth, facial nerve and ossicles in clinical routine temporal bone CT images based on 3D U-net neural network. Method:Clinical data were divided into two groups: ①Normal group: data were randomly assigned from 30 patients for routine temporal bone CT examination; ②Abnormal group: cochlear, ossicles and facial nerve morphology variation of 1 case each. The structures of facial nerve, labyrinth and ossicles were manually initial segmented and fine segmented by 2 clinicians with Mimics 20.0. Three-dimensional convolutional neural network（3D U-Net） was selected to conduct deep learning on the same data. The dice similarity coefficient（DSC） was used as the evaluation index. Result:The 3D U-net neural network was used to automatically segment the labyrinth, ossicles and facial nerve in the routine temporal bone CT. In the normal group, the DSC of labyrinth, ossicles and facial nerve were 0.79±0.03, 0.64±0.05 and 0.49±0.09, respectively. In the abnormal group, the DSC of these structures were 0.71, 0.54 and 0.40. Conclusion:According to the anatomical characteristics of the temporal bone, the labyrinth, ossicles and the facial nerve can be totally automatic segmented by 3D U-net neural network, and the accuracy was closed to that of manual segmentation. This method is feasible, fast and accurate.

Safety and Efficacy With Augmented Second-Generation Perforated Pedicle Screws in Treating Degenerative Spine Disease in Elderly Population.

Degenerative spine disease is a common cause of low back pain in people age 65 years or older. Nonsurgical treatment is tried first, but if it is unsuccessful, surgery is advocated. This has special connotations for both underlying disease and the biomechanical characteristics of osteoporotic bone. We conducted an observational study to investigate the clinical and radiological outcome in patients in this age group with poor bone quality and degenerative lumbar instability treated with fusion using perforated pedicle screws augmented with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). We collected prospective data on treatment, outcome, and patient characteristics from our institution's database. The primary outcome was a change in pain and physical function measured by the visual analog scale, the Core Outcome Measures Index, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Control participants were also analyzed for secondary complications such as hardware mobilization, fusion (as apparent on radiographs), and adjacent fractures or adjacent degenerative disc disease. We included 89 patients who underwent surgery between October 2015 and February 2018 at a mean age of 78 years (range, 67-88 years) and were then monitored for at least 12 months (range, 12-40 months). Findings on pain and function questionnaires showed improvement at 6 months after surgery, maintained at the final evaluation; 90% of patients had final score increases of ≥15 points. No patient developed clinical complications secondary to PMMA leakages. One patient had nonunion and screw breakage. No other patient had clinical or radiological nonunion. Of the control participants, 6 had adjacent disc disease, with 2 of them requiring instrumentation extension. Six deep infections required surgical revision without removal of material. PMMA-augmented cannulated pedicle screw instrumentation in spine fusion effectively and safely treats degenerative lumbar disease in patients who are age 65 years or older with poor bone quality.

A biomechanical study of the role of sitagliptin on the bone characteristics of diabetic rats

A biomechanical study of the role of sitagliptin on the bone characteristics of diabetic rats

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) in 12- and 24-month-old children - Practical aspects and descriptive data.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is a useful tool to assess detailed bone characteristics. Its utility in infants is however limited due to lack of reference data and technical challenges. The purpose of this study was to provide data on length- and weight-adjusted pQCT values and to present a quality grading system for healthy children aged 12 and 24months. As a part of the Vitamin D intervention in Infants (VIDI) trial, we collected pQCT and anthropometric data from 855 children at 12months and from 784 children at 24months. Bone mineral content (BMC; mg/mm), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD; mg/cm3), cross-sectional area (CSA; mm2), polar-moment of inertia (PMI; mm4), and periosteal circumference (PsC; mm) were assessed for total bone at 20% distal site of the left tibia using pQCT (Stratec XCT2000L). We evaluated the impact of scan quality on bone measures. Total bone parameters were assessed for boys and girls separately. The means of the bone parameters were also compared in relation to age. The associations between bone parameters and weight, length, sex and scan quality were analyzed. We included scans with sufficient quality (Grade 1-5) in the final analyses: 679/855 (79%) at 12months and 709/784 (90%) at 24months. Altogether 39% of the scans at 12months and 51% at 24months were of good or excellent quality (Grade 1-2). Scan quality had an impact on BMCs at 12 and 24months (p=0.001 and p=0.017, respectively) but not on other bone parameters. Boys presented greater total bone BMC, CSA, PMI and PsC values at 12 and 24months but vBMDs were similar. All bone parameters showed a significant increase between 12 and 24months for both sexes. When adjusting bone parameters for weight, length and scan quality, differences between sexes disappeared. Weight was the strongest modifier of BMC, CSA, PMI and PsS at 12 and 24months. This study increases our understanding on bone parameters in young children and demonstrates the suitability of pQCT in bone research in infants. The described pQCT data and scan quality grading system should prove useful in evaluating data reliability in research settings. NCT1723852.

Bone and visceral adipose tissue - a literature review

The potential associations between obesity and bone health have long been discussed, but the results of the clinical trials remain controversial. It is known that adipose tissue affects bone metabolism through mechanical, hormonal and inflammatory factors, but it is still debated whether the total effect is positive or negative for the bone. Higher body mass is associated with greater mechanical load, which in turn can stimulate the increase in bone mass. Fat accumulation is also associated with increased production of estrogen, which has a positive effect on bone metabolism. Increased secretion of insulin and amylin further suggests a greater anabolic effect on bone tissue. On the other hand, obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). However, these cytokines have a negative effect on bone tissue. In addition, decreased circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) have been observed in obese individuals, which may lead to impaired bone formation with altered quantitative and qualitative bone characteristics. Lower levels of vitamin D further lead to increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which can separately adversely affect bone metabolism. Additional discussions arise in connection with weight reduction, as dietary restrictions and mechanical changes caused by skeletal unloading during weight loss, as well as the resulting hormonal changes can increase the risk of fractures.

Towards a 2D cortical osseous tissue representation and generation at micro scale. A computational model for bone simulations

Background and objective: the acquisition of microscopic images of human bones is a complex and expensive process. Moreover, the objective of obtaining a large data bank with microscopic images in order to carry out massive studies or to train automatic generation algorithms is not an option. Consequently, most of the current work focuses on the analysis of small regions captured by a microscope. The aim is the development of a tool to represent bone tissue at microscopic levels which is suitable for performing physical simulations, as well as for the diagnosis of various diseases. This work includes the whole process from the digitization of a human bone to the generation of bone tissue in a determined area of the bone selected through a cutting plane.Methods: based on the anatomy of the bone structure, the parameters that allow the representation of the bone tissue at mesoscale level have been analyzed. Although the models are randomly generated, they are based on statistical parameters. The model generator is based on the analysis of images of bone tissue and its parameters, performing a representation of each of its relevant structures in a way that fulfils these parameters.Results: the tool is useful for the virtual generation of bone tissue that satisfies the main characteristics of the cortical bone. The models obtained have been favorably evaluated in two stages. In the first stage, a scientific group has examined a set of images, in which images of the models generated were mixed with images obtained through traditional methods. Then, the physical characteristics of the generated tissue have been compared with the morphology of the bone tissue.Conclusions: the model generator allows us to perform precise simulations in order to obtain realistic images with physical characteristics in accordance with reality. It is necessary to emphasize that even though the most relevant structures are included, the proposed model generator can be expanded to include new parameters or elements, so that it can be adapted to new needs. It could even break down randomness and parameterize it completely in order to allow the recreation of the tissue conditions of other studies.

Single and combined effects of phytase and citric acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, bone characteristics, intestinal morphology, and blood components in meat-type quails fed low-phosphorous diets

Five dietary treatments were applied in a 35-day trial to evaluate the single and combined effects of phytase and citric acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, tibia bone mineralization, intestinal morphology, and blood parameters in growing Japanese quails fed diets with reduced content of nonphytate phosphorous (nPP). On day 1, a total of 500 quail chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 5 cages of 20 birds for each diet: PC (positive control; adequate amounts of nPP), NC (negative control; 0.12 % reduction in dietary nPP content), PHY (NC + 500 FTU phytase /kg), CA (NC + 30 g citric acid /kg), and PHY + CA (NC + phytase + citric acid). After 35 days, the body weight, average daily gain, and apparent total tract digestibility coefficients (ATTDC) of crude protein in quails fed with any of the diets were higher (P < 0.01) than those in birds fed diet NC, where the birds fed diet PHY + CA had the highest values. Quail chicks fed diets PHY and PHY + CA also had improved overall feed conversion ratio (P = 0.024) and ATTDC of phosphorous (P = 0.005) than those fed diet NC. All diets, except diet PC, resulted in the increased nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) value and ATTDC of ash and energy (P < 0.05) compared to the NC diet, where the highest AMEn was obtained using the combination of phytase and citric acid. At 35 days of age, quails fed with any of the diets had greater (P < 0.05) tibia diameter, tibia ash content, villus height (in both jejunum and ileum), villus height/crypt depth ratio (in the jejunum), and villus surface area (in the ileum), but lower (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase activity than those fed diet NC. Feeding diets PC, PHY, and PHY + CA also increased (P < 0.05) tibia phosphorous content and serum concentrations of phosphorous, albumin, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) compared with the NC diet, where quails fed diet PHY + CA had the highest tibia phosphorous content and serum PTH level. Overall, the present data indicate that the simultaneous inclusion of phytase plus citric acid in the low-nPP diets was more beneficial for improving growth performance, protein digestibility, AMEn, and bone mineralization, but not for intestinal morphology, compared with either phytase or citric acid alone in growing Japanese quails.

Bone Health or Performance? Adaptation Response of Genetically Divergent Chicken Layer Lines to a Nutritive Calcium Depletion.

Simple SummarySelection for high egg production in laying hens has led to an increased calcium requirement and consequently to an intensified calcium mobilization from the bones. However, excessive demineralization can lead to osteoporosis, which is manifested by a high incidence of bone-damaged hens. In this study, we characterized the adaptation response of laying hens to a repeated dietary calcium restriction (1.09% instead of 4.26% calcium) by means of egg production, eggshell quality, body weight and bone stability. The animal model included four layer lines differing in performance level (high vs. moderately performing lines) and phylogenetic origin (white-egg vs. brown-egg layers). We assumed that the high performing lines would respond by maintaining egg production level at the expense of eggshell quality and bone health. Egg production and eggshell quality declined considerably and bone demineralization occurred in all lines. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was evidence that phylogeny rather than performance level influenced the hens′ response. The brown-egg lines appeared to be more tolerant to the calcium depletion, while the white-egg lines were more sensitive. Our findings demonstrate the influence of genetics on the adaptive capacity of chickens and underline the importance of preserving genetic variability to cope with potential future environmental challenges.In modern laying hybrids, calcium (Ca) homeostasis is immensely challenged by daily eggshell calcification. However, excessive mobilization of Ca from bones may lead to osteoporosis, which then manifests in a high incidence of poor bone quality. The aim of this study was to characterize the hens’ adaptation response to an alternating dietary Ca restriction. The animal model consisted of four purebred layer lines, differing in laying performance (high vs. moderately performing lines) and phylogenetic origin (white- vs. brown-egg lines). According to the resource allocation theory, hens selected for high egg production were assumed to show a different response pattern to cope with this nutritive challenge compared to moderately performing lines. Data collected included egg number, egg quality traits, body weight and bone characteristics. The Ca depletion led to a temporary drop in egg production and shell quality and a loss of bone stability due to Ca mobilization. The white-egg lines response was more pronounced, whereas the brown-egg lines were less sensitive towards reduced Ca supply. Our study shows that the hens’ responsiveness to coping with a nutritive Ca depletion is not ultimately linked to genetic selection for increased egg production but rather to phylogenetic origin.

Identification of genes and pathways associated with subchondral bone in osteoarthritis via bioinformatic analysis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a high prevalent musculoskeletal problem, which can cause severe pain, constitute a huge social and economic burden, and seriously damage the quality of life. This study was intended to identify genetic characteristics of subchondral bone in patients with OA and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Data of gene expression profiles (GSE51588), which contained 40 OA samples and 10 normal samples, was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The raw data were integrated to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and were further analyzed with bioinformatic analysis. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were built and analyzed via Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). The significant modules and hub genes were identified via Cytoscape. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Totally 235 DEGs were differentially expressed in the subchondral bone from OA patients compared with those of normal individuals, of which 78 were upregulated and 157 were downregulated. Eight hub genes were identified, including DEFA4, ARG1, LTF, RETN, PGLYRP1, OLFM4, ORM1, and BPI. The enrichment analyses of the DEGs and significant modules indicated that DEGs were mainly involved in inflammatory response, extracellular space, RAGE receptor binding, and amoebiasis pathway. The present study provides a novel and in-depth understanding of pathogenesis of the OA subchondral bone at molecular level. DEFA4, ARG1, LTF, RETN, PGLYRP1, OLFM4, ORM1, and BPI may be the new candidate targets for diagnosis and therapies on patients with OA in the future.

Neither altered incubation temperature during fetal development nor preferred rearing temperature improves leg bone characteristics of broilers.

The present study evaluated whether broiler femoral and tibiotarsal characteristics (as assessed at slaughter age) could be improved if birds were reared under their preferred temperature and whether continuous high or low incubation temperature during the fetal period improves bone characteristics of broilers reared under heat stress or thermal preference. Broiler breeder eggs were incubated from day 13 until hatching under cold (36°C), control (37.5°C), or hot (39°C) temperatures. Under these conditions, the eggshell temperatures were 37.4±0.1°C, 37.8±0.15°C, and 38.8±0.3°C, respectively. Then, broiler chicks were reared under control, preferred (determined previously in thermal preference test), or high temperatures. At day 42 of age, the broilers were weighed and euthanized, and femora and tibiotarsi collected to measure weight, length, diaphysis perimeter, breaking strength, maximum flexion, rigidity, ash, phosphorus, and calcium. Rearing under the preferred temperature did not affect broiler body weight or femoral and tibiotarsal characteristics (P>0.05). In contrast, high rearing temperature, decreased the body weight, mineral contents of both bones, femoral breaking strength, and tibiotarsal rigidity (P<0.05). Regarding incubation temperature effects, egg exposure to cold and hot temperatures during the fetal period minimized or avoided a few effects of high rearing temperature, such as those on femoral and tibiotarsal morphological characteristics, mineral composition, and mechanical properties at slaughter age (P<0.05), but not all. In conclusion, rearing under the preferred broiler temperature did not improve the bone characteristics, and the negative effects of high rearing temperature on bone development were minimized but not completely prevented by high or low temperature incubation during the fetal period.